Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.
—Mark 3:13 NLT
When we meet the twelve apostles of Jesus in the subsequent verses, we need to know that they were not an accidental band of misfits. Jesus chose them prayerfully (Luke 6:12-13). They answered his call and followed him. He chose them carefully because he was about to invest much of his remaining time in training them. They would go with him and learn by being at his side — not just by hearing his message, but also by seeing his life. What are we to learn from what Jesus did? It seems to me that several lessons are important:
Loving God, the giver of every good and lasting gift, please help me to see those things you have created me to do. Even more, dear Father, move me to do those things whether I think they are menial or glorious, for I know that you will use everything I offer you to your glory and for the blessing of others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 3:13 NLT
Key Thought
When we meet the twelve apostles of Jesus in the subsequent verses, we need to know that they were not an accidental band of misfits. Jesus chose them prayerfully (Luke 6:12-13). They answered his call and followed him. He chose them carefully because he was about to invest much of his remaining time in training them. They would go with him and learn by being at his side — not just by hearing his message, but also by seeing his life. What are we to learn from what Jesus did? It seems to me that several lessons are important:
- Jesus chooses how he will use those of us who follow him — he is LORD and that is his right and responsibility.
- We have to answer his call to follow; he will not force us.
- The diversity and seeming insignificance of the apostles he chose was purposeful — Jesus sees things in us and in others that we cannot see, and he longs to use us in his cause in special ways.
Today's Prayer
Loving God, the giver of every good and lasting gift, please help me to see those things you have created me to do. Even more, dear Father, move me to do those things whether I think they are menial or glorious, for I know that you will use everything I offer you to your glory and for the blessing of others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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