January 6, 2019: SOAP #3319:  Genesis 15-17; Luke 6

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Observation:  Jesus called his disciples to him.  They were learners.  They wanted to be close to Him.  They were students.  They wanted to hear what He had to say.  They listened to His teachings.

But that day (Luke 6:12) was different.  They had been called to follow Him, but that day He appointed twelve of them to a higher level of relationship.  These twelve would be His apostles.  Not only would they be with Him, but He would send them out.  They would remain His disciples, but in His plan, they would be more.  They would be sent to represent Him.  They would minister in His name!

Application:  My Lord has a plan for me.  He wants me to learn from His words.  He loves to have me close.  But He has a plan for me that goes beyond my joy and satisfaction in being His child.  He plans for me to grow into a mature son, a servant that He can use for His purpose.  He wants to teach me how to think like He thinks.  He wants me to see things as He sees them.  He wants my words to represent Him.

Prayer:   Lord, you have called me to be your disciple.  You have been working in my life so that I might represent you.  Holy Spirit, help me to speak correctly and clearly in Jesus Name.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!