The Wednesday Word 6.14.2023

 

Matthew 10:1-4 New Living Translation

 

10 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), 3 Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4 Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

 

Being selected can evoke many kinds of responses. Being chosen for the playground team in the early rounds can give your confidence a boost. I imagine we can all relate to the sensation of being called upon in class for an answer we don’t have! In that split second your stomach drops and your mind goes totally blank, followed by total embarrassment. There is another type of selection, a type of being called, that underlies the Gospels. These twelve men were selected by the Living God to learn at his side. They were called aid in his earthly ministry and continue it throughout their lives. They were chosen to show others the way to live in his Kingdom, now and forever.

 

The Twelve were only the beginning. Since that time, the call to follow Christ has never ended. The Holy Spirit is reaching out to you. You have been selected to learn. You are called to live according to the Word of God. You have been chosen to share the Good News of love and mercy and joy. How will you respond?…something to pray about.

 

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.


                                                                                                photo by Jason Hawke


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