Chosen, Desired, Sent

Daily Reading: Mark 3

Scripture Focus:  And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.  And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach…. (Mark 3.13-14)

Devotional Thought: Jesus called his twelve apostles and designated them for service in the kingdom.  Often we think of the apostles as special and unique – and they are – but we should not put too much distance between their experience and ours, lest we sell short our own potential. 

As we consider the pattern established by Jesus in calling his apostles, what can we learn?

• Jesus called those "he desired."  Isn’t that a great thought?  Jesus desires that you be in his Kingdom.  Every spring, the NFL drafts players from college.  The stakes are high for both the players and the teams.  Billions of dollars are on the line.  Fame and glory await.  Can you imagine how it feels to be the focus of all that desire?  Actually, you don't have to imagine, for you are the focus of an even greater desire.  Jesus desires to have you in his kingdom.  You are a first round draft choice!

• Jesus called the apostles “that they might be with him.”  The thing that Jesus wants most is for us to be with him.  I "get it."  Since we moved to South Carolina, we look forward to our Ohio friends coming to visit us.  What we do, where we go, or what we see is secondary. The most important thing is the fact that we are together!

• Jesus, after they were with him, sent them out.  Like the football player who practices with the team to go out on the field, we are sent out with a mission.  As much as he loves the intimate times spent with us, he knows that we have a job to do, and he sends us out. 

Rejoice, for you are chosen, desired, and sent!  Go out and seize the day!

Prayer: Jesus, I rejoice that I am yours and have an eternally significant role in the kingdom.  I commit myself to faithfully fulfill your will in my life today.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 18.19-24

19 He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

20 The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.

21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

22 For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.

23 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt.

24 So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.