September 18 Chosen Messengers

Luke 6:13-15 When morning came, Jesus called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
 
WE have learned that the word “Pharisee” means “set apart”. Pharisees set themselves apart from the God-opposing rule in Judah, so they could hold firmly to God’s law. Jesus, though, initiated the Kingdom of God as he chose 12 men to be set apart to be apostles of God’s grace. “Apostle” means messenger. They were anointed to tell he good news of forgiveness and salvation in Jesus’ Christ.
   There are many disciples in Jesus’ ministry, but the Twelve (as they are known) especially were chosen and later commanded to proclaim the gospel’s world-changing message: Matthew 28:19 “to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Just as God had chosen Noah to build the ark, Abraham to father a nation, Moses to deliver his people and David to be Israel’s most powerful king, God had chosen the Twelve to speak the message of salvation by grace alone.
   Notice that Jesus did this choosing immediately after his night after praying. Certainly he was in prayer seeking for the Father to direct him to his chosen apostles. We see how the Father answered that prayer in John 17:6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” Again, directed by the Father and empowered with the Spirit, Jesus acted out God’s love into a broken world. The Trinity is one God in unity to do God’s will on earth.
   We can note three things here: First, the Pharisees acted on their own will and own human strength to set themselves apart. God gave no direction or purpose to their work. The Spirit was not on their work as he was on Jesus’ ministry. Kingdom ministry is impossible without the Father’s direction and Spirit’s authority.
   Second, know that the apostles’ name list looks different in each gospel. This means each particular gospel writer is using a second name to refer to the same man. Or he could be using a Greek form of a name. The different-looking lists are of the same men.
   Third, we always ask, “Why Judas Iscariot? Didn’t the Father know Judas would betray the Son?” Remember. God chooses. Judas was chosen to be an apostle in order to fulfill God’s sovereign plan to save your soul. Always know and remember that the events in Jesus’ ministry and in the entire Bible are God’s ordained will to “be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. (Matthew 6:10) The Lord’s will is to offer a Savior to save his chosen people from Hell. To do so, the Father gave Judas over to Satan: Luke 22:3-4 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.  
   Now before you might judge Judas or the Pharisees, let me ask, “Are you perhaps betraying God by living under your own “strength”? Are you living in your own will or the Father’s will?” If you confess Jesus, “Savior.” is there something small or big blocking you from fully living into your life as one set apart in Jesus’ salvation?
   Be assured, we all need God’s power and authority in our lives. We need him even more as we seek to tell the gospel to family, friends and community. Seek the Lord’s knowledge. As you learn the Bible’s truths, be prayerful and willing to set apart your life out of your own desires. Call on the Spirit to set you apart into your Lord’s commands. In this way, you will fulfill the purpose for which God has called you in his gracious salvation.
 
Prayer: I pray your will, Father, is done in my life. Open my mind to know you. Open my heart and hands to serve you with wisdom. In Jesus’ name I seek you, amen.