[The names of the apostles are]
Simon (whom [Jesus] named Peter),
Andrew (Peter's brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed [Jesus]).
—Luke 6:14-16 NLT
So often we forget that our Bible heroes were real people. They had names, but like many of us, their friends gave some of them nicknames. They had personal histories; so, like many of us, their names are associated with those histories. They came from families, and some of them were known by their relationship with one of their parents or a sibling. Unfortunately, one of them lived in such a way as to forever stain his name. Who we are is based on our idiosyncrasies, our heritage, and our choices. The wonderful thing about Jesus, however, is that who we become does not have to be forever tied to those things. Jesus can take the good in our past and make us far better. He can take the bad in our past and make us new and use those failures to be the beginning point of ministering to others who are facing similar problems. So, before we place the apostles on a pedestal, let's remember that they were ordinary guys [1] whose lives were changed by Jesus. If he can do that with them, he can surely do that with us too!
[1] Acts 4:13.
Heavenly Father, the God who created me in my mother's womb, please continue your work of creation in me as I yield my heart to the leading of your Spirit. Don't leave me where I am, but make me into a vessel fit for service in your Kingdom and in honor of my King. In the name of Jesus, your royal Son and my King, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Simon (whom [Jesus] named Peter),
Andrew (Peter's brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed [Jesus]).
—Luke 6:14-16 NLT
Key Thought
So often we forget that our Bible heroes were real people. They had names, but like many of us, their friends gave some of them nicknames. They had personal histories; so, like many of us, their names are associated with those histories. They came from families, and some of them were known by their relationship with one of their parents or a sibling. Unfortunately, one of them lived in such a way as to forever stain his name. Who we are is based on our idiosyncrasies, our heritage, and our choices. The wonderful thing about Jesus, however, is that who we become does not have to be forever tied to those things. Jesus can take the good in our past and make us far better. He can take the bad in our past and make us new and use those failures to be the beginning point of ministering to others who are facing similar problems. So, before we place the apostles on a pedestal, let's remember that they were ordinary guys [1] whose lives were changed by Jesus. If he can do that with them, he can surely do that with us too!
[1] Acts 4:13.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, the God who created me in my mother's womb, please continue your work of creation in me as I yield my heart to the leading of your Spirit. Don't leave me where I am, but make me into a vessel fit for service in your Kingdom and in honor of my King. In the name of Jesus, your royal Son and my King, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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