Mark Devotions
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Jesus chooses (calls) 12 men from among those that followed him; they were to be his “sent out” ones (that’s what apostle meant). He chooses them for 3 reasons. First was that they had to just be with him. There’s no better way to know a person than to listen to them, see what they do, and how they do it. Maybe even participate in what they do. Without even knowing it, you even grow in a relationship with that person, especially if you are with them 24/7, like those 12 were. Are you consciously with Jesus 24/7, in (the) “Word”, prayer, thoughts, deed? Secondly, there would come a time when Jesus would send them to take his Word – somewhere (neighborhood, workplace, school, family), and to somebody (the discouraged, sad, hope-less, broken, purpose-less, hell-bound). Thirdly, they were to be intentional in their stand against every kind of evil, with His authority. The 12 are named; among them one that would choose to betray him, another to deny him, and all who would one day desert him. Jesus knew this; and yet he chose them.
Prayer: Loving God, thank you that it is you that has chosen me, and not the other way around. Because that means you did it knowing my inadequacies, weaknesses, and brokenness. And you chose me because you knew that the only real hope for me was to be with you. Lord Jesus, I want to be a disciple that you can trust with others’ brokenness and needs; I want to stand against the evil that shows up so regularly knowing that I have the authority as your disciple to do so. Remind me Lord, that when you send me anywhere and to anyone, not only will you bring change there, you change and grow me as well. Amen.
