Day 42 in the Study of the Life of Christ.
Choosing the Right People
Matthew 10:1-42; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-19
Our devotional thought is from Luke 6:12–16.
Our reading is about that morning when Jesus chose 12 men to become apostles. Seeing Jesus make this decision is a lesson for our own lives. There are three great lessons to learn from this event.
- The first lesson is the importance of prayer in our decisions.
In Luke 6:12, it is said, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” If the Son of God needed the Father’s guidance through hours of prayer before making decisions, how much more should we? This teaches us not only about the depth of Jesus’ relationship with God but also models for us a path of reliance on divine wisdom over our limited understanding. In our lives, whether we face crossroads or the daily decisions that shape our journey, the practice of seeking God’s presence and guidance cannot be underestimated. - The second lesson is about intentionally choosing followers. Jesus’ selection of the twelve disciples was not accidental. This was his plan to bring others in to help with his great work. This principle applies to us today in building our communities—be it in our workplaces, churches, or social circles. Great endeavors are not solo performances but people working together in purpose and action.
- Finally, we see the diversity among the disciples—from a tax collector like Matthew to fishermen such as Peter and Andrew, and even a zealot like Simeon. God’s call transcends our backgrounds, skills, and past mistakes. It’s a powerful reminder that the Kingdom of God is built on the varied gifts and experiences of its people, each contributing uniquely to God’s redemptive work in the world.
These are but three of the many thoughts in this great story.
Lonnie Davis