READING:
One-year plan: Genesis 28-30, Matthew 10:1-31
Two-year plan: Genesis 17-18, Matthew 5:43-6:8
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He had spent time with them before. Some had been disciples of John the Baptist, who directed them to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus had already called some of them from the work of the sea, calling them instead to become fishers of men. Now, He was ready for these disciples to become His apostles. He would send them out under His authority to proclaim His message, to cast out demons, and to heal the sick.
Why Jesus called out these men in particular is in some ways a mystery to us. They would argue among themselves. Their faith would falter at times. They wouldn’t always listen, nor would they always learn. One would deny knowing Him. Another would betray Him. All would flee when He was arrested. Still, He called them.
They are largely only names to us at this point in the Gospel of Matthew, but they were so much more than that to Jesus. He knew who they were, but He also knew who they would become. He understood how the Father would use them. Some would turn the world upside down. One in his rebellion would become an instrument in the hand of the devil, though his betrayal would lead to a cross that would offer redemption to the world. All would fit into God’s plan in some way.
Why God calls any of us to Him is just as much a mystery as why He called His apostles in the first century. Still, He does – not because of our goodness or our talent, but because of the work of the Father in our lives. We’re nobodies, but we’re sent nobodies to tell the Good News.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How amazed are you that the Lord has called you to Himself?
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for grace.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Genesis 31-32, Matthew 10:32-11:24
Two-year plan: Genesis 19, Matthew 6:9-24
*portions first published in 2017