February 24, 2020: SOAP #3735:  Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve—designating them apostles— that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

Observation:  Earlier in this chapter (verse 7) we read of the crowds that followed Jesus from Galilee.  They wanted to be close enough to touch Him, so He asked for a small boat He could use to keep from being pushed into the lake.

The people wanted to be near Him.  They wanted what He was able to do for them.  But when going up on a mountainside, Jesus called the ones HE WANTED.  These were HIS choice.

Application:  Jesus offers things that everyone wants and needs.  Everyone should want to be close to Jesus.  Everyone should want to be close enough to Jesus to touch Him.  I know I do.

But what an honor to know that HE WANTS me to be close to Him.   He invites me to come up to a higher place with Him.  I know that His invitation is open to everyone, but not everyone is willing to invest the effort to climb with Jesus.  How sad for them; how sad for Him.

Prayer:  Jesus, what an honor it is to enjoy the intimacy of a climb with you through the scriptures.  The joy of fresh revelation sweeps over my soul.  May I always be one you want to be with you.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!