Calling Apostles

Stop.

Breathe in and say, “I follow you”. Breathe out and say, “I serve you”. Repeat five times.

Listen.

Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles.

Luke 6:12-13

Reflect.

On Sunday, we heard the story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath in Luke 6:1-11. Next week, we’ll hear from Luke 7. However, there are some powerful teachings in between those two stories. Our devotions this week will focus on them. We’ve already heard about Jesus calling a few of his disciples in our Sunday texts. In this verse, Jesus completes the work of choosing his disciples. 

These short verses call us to notice two important things. First, notice how Jesus does the work of calling these people. He goes away on his own and spends time in intentional prayer. He doesn’t make the decision based just on who he likes best. He knows this requires introspection, meditation, and devotion to God’s will. Hard decisions take time, effort, and an openness to God’s guidance. 

Second, notice that he calls his disciples apostles. We often use the words interchangeably when talking about those who followed Jesus both during his life and after his ascension. But the two words vary slightly: a disciple listens and follows, while an apostle goes out to teach and serve. You can’t do the one without the other. 

May we always remember that we both follow Jesus and go out into the world in his name. Take the time in prayer and discernment that you need to do that faithfully and well.

Pray.

Show me your will, Lord. Teach me your wisdom, God. Send me in confidence, Spirit. Amen.

Carry On.

What’s one big decision facing you this week? Set aside time for prayer and listening so you can make that decision faithfully.