The Gospel of Luke
This devotional is written by Helen Bunker who can be found at the morning or evening service, and hosting a small group in Marylebone on Tuesdays.
Luke 6:12-16
The Twelve Apostles
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Reflection
We are familiar with Jesus' disciples (his followers) being called to follow him. Now he chooses just twelve to become his apostles (his messengers). He sought to choose the people who would continue His work after He had gone. By now He had hundreds, if not thousands, of followers but faced the most difficult decision. So He turned to his father for guidance and He prayed all night to be filled with insight.
How must it have felt to be chosen? Just like us, the apostles had their flaws but when it came to it, they were exactly what Jesus was looking for.
Just like the apostles, we are chosen. Chosen to be His disciples and run towards His open arms. If you don't feel qualified then you are just what He is looking for. It’s not 'one and don'’ though. It's an active process. Like the apostles, we will stumble and make mistakes along the way but every time we are welcomed back into those open arms.
The apostles were chosen to become like Jesus. To do that, they needed to spend time with Him. Lots of time. That's what He wants from us. We can start by sitting with Him and listening. By asking questions and hearing His encouragement. By trying, failing and trying again.
Could you spend more time with Jesus? The more we spend time with Him, the closer we become.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you that You chose us. From before we were born, You knew us. Thank you that You love us, knowing our imperfections. Help us to live lives of faith and to be Your disciples in the world. Help us to know more of You through your Son. Encourage us to sit at His feet and listen, just as the apostles did.
I am willing.
How must it have felt to be chosen? Just like us, the apostles had their flaws but when it came to it, they were exactly what Jesus was looking for.
Just like the apostles, we are chosen. Chosen to be His disciples and run towards His open arms. If you don't feel qualified then you are just what He is looking for. It’s not 'one and don'’ though. It's an active process. Like the apostles, we will stumble and make mistakes along the way but every time we are welcomed back into those open arms.
The apostles were chosen to become like Jesus. To do that, they needed to spend time with Him. Lots of time. That's what He wants from us. We can start by sitting with Him and listening. By asking questions and hearing His encouragement. By trying, failing and trying again.
Could you spend more time with Jesus? The more we spend time with Him, the closer we become.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you that You chose us. From before we were born, You knew us. Thank you that You love us, knowing our imperfections. Help us to live lives of faith and to be Your disciples in the world. Help us to know more of You through your Son. Encourage us to sit at His feet and listen, just as the apostles did.
I am willing.
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