Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
Jesus continues to show his devotion and dependence on the Father every day. Last week, he went to the mountaintop for the whole night to pray. In the morning, I discovered the purpose behind his earnest prayers. He was seeking the Father as to whom he should appoint as a select group of apostles. He chose twelve men. Though I was not surprised as all these men have turned away from worldly pursuits to follow Jesus, I am surprised that he selected so few. Why these twelve? How will they be uniquely different from the others of us who are followers?
When I talked to this group of brothers, they said that Jesus told them that they would be sent out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. For the past year, we have been led by Jesus and have watched him minister to others. It seems that now, he has called these twelve men to join him in doing the ministry. Though they are not the Son of God, they have been appointed and given authority through Jesus to heal and cast out demons.
I thought Jesus would continue to travel and teach thousands of men, women, and children. Now it seems that much of his time will be spent teaching and training the apostles, so they can participate in the ministry. I wonder if I too will one day be given this calling?
I find myself spending more time praying to the Father. Through knowing Jesus, I have a deeper desire to worship and be fully devoted to God. The great prophet Jeremiah tells us that God asked us: “For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” Like Jesus, may I be passionate in seeking the Father’s will and being devoted to be close to God.
Looking forward to the days ahead,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Jeremiah 30:21; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15-18
Today’s Application:
As you read today’s Bible verses, pay attention to whom Jesus called to be his apostles. They were not wealthy, prestigious, or religiously educated men. They were every day, average people like you and me. Jesus called them because the Father instructed him on the mountaintop who was to become the leaders of the church. We learn from this that any time we are making a major decision in life, we should take extended time to pray and seek God’s will. We also see that God can use us significantly to minister to others. In Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-18, we are all called to share the gospel and teach others about the teachings of Jesus. If we trust in God and step out in faith, God will work in amazing ways through us to help others to know Christ.
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