Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 19, 2023
Luke 6:12-16
12 During that time, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night long. 13 At daybreak, he called together his disciples. He chose twelve of them whom he called apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter; his brother Andrew; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; 15 Matthew; Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called a zealot; 16 Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Good Morning. May your day be filled with blessings!
Notice that before Jesus gathered his disciples and named twelve of them apostles (sent ones), he spent the night in prayer. At this point, thousands following Jesus was about halfway through his earthly ministry. On this day, he chose and commissioned this group of apostles as the earthly leaders of his church. Each of the chosen is an ordinary person who brought no special earthly skills to the table: fishermen, tax collectors, and others who had chosen to follow. Not one of these had experience speaking, writing, or teaching. None had a great knowledge of the Bible. In fact, they had each shown their faults along the way with moments of doubt, anger, and just saying or doing the wrong thing. So why these twelve?
They indeed represent the idea that all are welcome to walk with Jesus. You don’t need special skills, you don’t have to be the quickest learner, and it's okay to mess up occasionally. It’s what is on your heart that is most important. Think about it: if this motley crew qualifies to be apostles, we do as well. We are called and sent to make disciples of all the world.
Loving God, We love you! You choose us to follow you and bring others to you despite our inadequacies. Thank you for your mercy. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Though our ways may differ, Jesus binds us together.
Chosen and Sent! Pastor Liz
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