Key Passage
Jesus called his twelve followers together. Jesus gave them power over evil spirits. Jesus gave them power to heal every kind of disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles : Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Judas is the one that gave Jesus to his enemies.
— Matthew 10:1-4 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
What an interesting, amazing, and strange group to choose if your goal is to forever change the world! But there they are. A dozen men who, because of Jesus' life and resurrection and the power of the Spirit, forever changed the history of our planet. We have such a great temptation to revere these men because of the good they did. While we must be appreciative of those who were faithful and paid the ultimate price for their discipleship, we must also realize that the glory of their service is found in their Master, not in that they were the Master's servants. What makes them special is that Jesus called them and gave them authority to do great works to bless others. I wonder what he wants to do with us? I wonder what role he wants us to play in his great work of redemption?
Prayer
O gracious God and Father, give me the heart to follow Jesus, the faith to expect his great works to be done through me, and the humility to give him all the glory for what happens that is good. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But the leaders also saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
— Acts 4:13
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the miracles I have done. I tell you the truth. The person that believes in me will do the same things I have done. Yes! He will do even greater things than I have done. Why? Because I am going to the Father. And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you. Then the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
— John 14:11-14
"Men, why are you doing these things? We are not gods! We have the same feelings as you have! We came to tell you the Good News. We are telling you to turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the true living God. He is the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them. In the past, God let all the nations do what they wanted. But God was always there doing things that prove he is real. He gives you rain from the sky. He gives you good harvests at the right times. He gives you plenty of food, and he fills your hearts with joy." Paul and Barnabas told the people these things. But still Paul and Barnabas almost could not stop the people from offering sacrifices to {worship} them.
— Acts 14:15-18
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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Jesus called his twelve followers together. Jesus gave them power over evil spirits. Jesus gave them power to heal every kind of disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles : Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Judas is the one that gave Jesus to his enemies.
— Matthew 10:1-4 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
What an interesting, amazing, and strange group to choose if your goal is to forever change the world! But there they are. A dozen men who, because of Jesus' life and resurrection and the power of the Spirit, forever changed the history of our planet. We have such a great temptation to revere these men because of the good they did. While we must be appreciative of those who were faithful and paid the ultimate price for their discipleship, we must also realize that the glory of their service is found in their Master, not in that they were the Master's servants. What makes them special is that Jesus called them and gave them authority to do great works to bless others. I wonder what he wants to do with us? I wonder what role he wants us to play in his great work of redemption?
Prayer
O gracious God and Father, give me the heart to follow Jesus, the faith to expect his great works to be done through me, and the humility to give him all the glory for what happens that is good. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But the leaders also saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
— Acts 4:13
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the miracles I have done. I tell you the truth. The person that believes in me will do the same things I have done. Yes! He will do even greater things than I have done. Why? Because I am going to the Father. And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you. Then the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
— John 14:11-14
"Men, why are you doing these things? We are not gods! We have the same feelings as you have! We came to tell you the Good News. We are telling you to turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the true living God. He is the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them. In the past, God let all the nations do what they wanted. But God was always there doing things that prove he is real. He gives you rain from the sky. He gives you good harvests at the right times. He gives you plenty of food, and he fills your hearts with joy." Paul and Barnabas told the people these things. But still Paul and Barnabas almost could not stop the people from offering sacrifices to {worship} them.
— Acts 14:15-18
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
