A Prayerful Decision
Opening Prayer
Loving God, whatever desire I have to draw near to You is only an echo of Your desire for me.
Read LUKE 6:12-16
[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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How did Jesus choose the disciples?During his ministry Jesus saw himself responding to the call of his Father, and in that calling sharing the Father’s mission heart in everything he said and did. At key moments in his ministry he would withdraw to pray (12; see also 5:16) so that the Father could inform and then shape his decisions. This is such an occasion as he prepares to appoint the disciples.From his night of prayer Jesus gathers his disciples around him and from them chooses the twelve. Although their names are now familiar, it is important to recognize that at the time they were ordinary people–fishermen, a converted tax collector, people who would struggle with the news of the resurrection. It is also important to recognize Judas Iscariot, who would eventually betray Jesus. In this moment of calling and appointment, two issues are highlighted. First, however “ordinary” we might feel, at any moment the Lord’s Spirit might call us and we have to be open and responsive. The second is more painful. At the heart of the apostolic community is the traitor, Judas. The power of sin and corruption will be found even in the Christian community, and will continue until the new creation comes in its fullness.
Apply
Take time to reflect on the Lord’s call on your life. How ready are you to hear and then respond to the Spirit?
Closing prayer
Redeemer, when the reality of the power of sin is evident, help me to remember that the power of grace is greater.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.