June 6
Mark 3:13-19
In an important track meet, the coach is going to send out the fastest runners. In a basketball game, the highest scorers. When God has important work to be done, He also is going to send out His best. To me, this is a sobering thought. Am I one of God’s bests? What does it take to be one of God’s disciples? Jesus answers this question in Luke 14:26-27. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (NIV) Okay, so all I have to do is love Jesus above all else and be willing to follow Him. Yeah, it sounds easy when I put it that way. But do I really love Jesus above everything? Above my husband? My nephews? Myself? Being one of Jesus’ disciples is not an easy task. The good news is, it is something we all can do. I would never be a track star, because I can’t run fast. And I could never be a basketball star, because I’m not coordinated enough to dribble the ball (and I can’t run fast). But by reading God’s word, spending time with Him daily in prayer, following His will for my life, and putting Him first, I can be one of His disciples. I can be one of His best.
Principle: Jesus sends out those who are first with Him.
Application:
1. How much time each day do I set aside to be with Jesus?
2. How far am I willing to go to teach others about Christ?
3. How am I responding to the special work for which Jesus has chosen me?
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Verse 14 gives two primary marks of those who follow Jesus: first, being with Jesus, and second, sharing the gospel of Christ with others. One without the other is like a row boat with only one oar. I pray that I will pull both oars well, the first so that my soul is healthy and the second so that outsiders can become part of the family.
ReplyDeleteMission trip to Mexico! Mission trip to Mexico! Ch-ch-ch
ReplyDeleteThat's the song that's running through my head right now as I prepare to leave on a mission trip this morning. Funny that today's verses fit so well? Maybe not. I was struck by the fact that Jesus called the ones He wanted and because I have some fears about this trip (Remember my germ confusion a few day ago?); I said, but Jesus you didn't say to me, "Hey, Andrea, go on this trip." No voice responded, but I centered my mind on Truth. He did tell all His followers to go to the nations, and He did set the example.
I'm so thankful that He invited me, commanded me to be a part of His work. How cool is it that I get to follow in the footsteps of the Author of Life?! And who knows what He plans to do! Maybe what is started in a little-cared-for place will spark a fire that reaches this nation! After all, Jesus came from a little-cared-for place, and the whole world has been changed because of Him!
God speed on your mission trip Andrea. You are truly a disciple. And what an honor and privilege to be one of the best.:) When I read today’s scripture I was wondering what principal and application questions would we be thinking about with such a short segment of scripture! Wow! Good things come in small packages! The last question is really a thought provoker. What special work has Jesus chosen for me?? What He is making real clear to me right now, is that I need to be a positive influence in my family and with friends. No grumbling but rather words and actions that praise The Lord.... and wrap it up with obedience and there I have His work that He has chosen for me. We influence so many people and don't even realize it. I sure want it to be Jesus' influence
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting in the previous passage that people came flocking to Jesus when they knew He could do something for them. But when He needed help He had to ask. I don't know if I'm reading this right, but the way I'm seeing it is that Jesus climbed up on the side of the mountain and called down to these 12 to come on up. They had to willingly climb up that mountain to be with him. They had to be committed to it. I'd like to get to a place where I would be that willing.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the this passage and the comments everyone made. Linda question 3 hit me as well. Even when I know God has chosen me to do something I always think there is someone else who could do a better job then me. I need to be more accepting of what God calls me to do and not have so much self doubt.
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