When God Says …
“And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.” (Luke 6:13-16 KJV).
The Lord Jesus Christ discipled many including women during the period of around three years of His physical ministry in this world. They were those who learned from Him and emulated Him in faith through His grace, as we too should do, by believing in Him and His Words. In so doing, though we have not seen Him in flesh, He declared: “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Among His many disciples the Lord Jesus has chosen twelve Apostles - meaning the “sent out one”, as symbolic representation of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. They’re the tribes that made up the kingdom or the nation of Israel. As pillars of faith, the Apostles are commissioned by the Lord, along with all disciples then and believers of today, to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19), by becoming fishers of people (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17) or by being laborers of the harvest (Matthew 9:38).
The Twelve Apostles that the Lord has chosen gives a picture of inclusivity. They come from a mixture of diverse backgrounds. Their selection was guided by the Father, when the Lord spent a night of fellowship and prayer alone with the Father for guidance before choosing them. He said that all that He does comes from the Father. He does what the Father shows (John 5:19-21; 14:31).
Sadly, one of the Twelve whose name was Judas Iscariot went his way and forsook following the Lord. He abandoned faith - that is to remain and rest in the Lord’s grace. Yes, he sinned by betraying his Master, as Apostle Peter also sinned by denying that he knows his Lord and Rabbi Jesus Christ. What differs between them? Judas turned away from grace and ran away from the One who saves. If only he stayed in the Lord's grace - like Apostle Peter who remained in faith, stayed and waited for the Lord who forgives those who come in His presence. Yes, he remained and abide in the promise of His Word, as it is written: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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