Jump to 0 top | 1 navigation | 2 content | 3 extra information (sidebar) | 4 footer | 5 toolbar

Content

CHOOSING THE APOSTLES

A NIGHT OF PRAYER

Read Luke 6:1–16; Mark 3:7–19

Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

* * *

Prior to this night of intense prayer, Jesus had withdrawn with his disciples to the sea. Such huge crowds followed him that "He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him." (Mark 3:9 NKJV)

Now, Jesus goes alone to a mountain to spend the night in prayer. The next day He would call his followers to him and from them choose the twelve apostles. These men would be sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons -- the kingdom of Heaven confronting the kingdom of Satan. No wonder He spent the entire night in prayer for them.
* * *
Lord, if You felt it necessary to get away by yourself to pray, then surely I need to make time for extended prayer. Help me to remember to carve out time from my busy schedule to find time alone with You – particularly when I am facing important decisions.
* * *
When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. Luke 6:13 NIV

posted by sharetheword on Sep 7, 2009 3:07 PM | 0 comments
Tags: , , , ,

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

MATTHEW THE TAX COLLECTOR

EATING WITH SINNERS

Read Mark 2:13–17

When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 NKJV

* * *
Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish man who worked for the Roman government. The religious leaders saw a traitor but Jesus saw a man who needed a Savior. Jesus could look into a man's heart because He was the Son of God. In fact, Jesus had no problem eating with sinners, because He knew that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…(Romans 3:23)

A few of the religious leaders came to realize who Jesus was, but most did not. This is why the first message He preached was "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV) Repentance required admitting their sin, and receiving God’s Son, the promised Messiah.
* * *
Jesus not only saw Matthew's heart, he saw his potential. He later chose Matthew as one of the twelve apostles. Lord, help me to understand the hearts of my children and envision their potential. Even though that is not completely possible, I can trust You to know their hearts and work all things together for their good.
* * *
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32 NIV

posted by sharetheword on Aug 29, 2009 6:30 PM | 0 comments
Tags: , , , , ,

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings
Pages: 1 (1 - 2 / 2)

» Next Space