July 1, 2014 To Him

To HIm

Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.  

WE have, I think, a very difficult time understanding what “he called” means as it relates to our relationship with Jesus. To call someone means we want to speak with them to request something or to instruct them. Our children, friends or employees can’t possibly know what we want them to do if we don’t call them – talk to them with the information they need to know. We see this aspect of call here as Jesus instructs his disciples to a certain task. But note the words, “He called his twelve disciples to him.”

     Jesus called his disciples “to him”, not to a task or job, but “to him”. He called them to draw them into a new way of life. His purpose was to change who they were as Jesus himself would grow more and more into them. This is a profound intimacy that reflects the one-flesh relationship of marriage. Living into Jesus means answering his call to come unto him into spiritual closeness.

     This is what makes understanding “call” so difficult. We see it as another job. We find moments upon moments to reject our Savior’s call, thinking he has more for us to do when he really has more of him for us to enjoy.  

LIFE Link: Answer him, “Yes, Lord.”