It’s a “12 APOLSTLES” (Part I) Friday.
LORD MAY WE BE DESERVING TO HEAR YOU SAY, “FOLLOW ME!”. AMEN.
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” (Matthew – 10:2-4; K.J.V.)
Peter
Peter was blessed with great physical strength. Big strong hands had hauled the nets from the sea. At the Lord’s command, he became at length a fisher of men for eternity. Still, he said the wrong things, did the wrong things, often came up short when put to the test Christ saw more than strength. He saw faith that brings in the potter’s hands, the mark of the best. Peter, that impetuous fisherman, is the favorite of many because his life was a constant struggle to win. Understanding, they give him great applause. How human were his faults, how well he knew, “That the God of All Grace Will Strengthen You”.
Andrew
The first of twelve, it was Andrew who came to see the Messiah, eager to learn to walk the straight road in the Savior’s name. Convinced by the prophet John, his concern was for others – for Simon, his brother. They grew up together near Galilee, heard of the Promised One from their mother. For them the promise was reality. Later ‘twas Andrew who found a young lad with loaves and fished, and the hungry were fed. Always so helpful, he made others glad. “I will make you fishers of men,” Christ said. And Andrew was first, a man set apart. A true disciple with love in his heart.
James, the Greater
James was the silent disciple who walked close to the Savior with Peter and John. Though he never spoke out, others who talked found him a disciple to depend on. Lean and bronze, strong, straight son of Zebedee, whose mother became a disciple too, slept on through the prayers of Gethsemane, was rudely rejected for being a Jew. Christ called James and John “The sons of Thunder.” He rebuked them when they sought to be first. But it was James who saw Christ’s deeds of wonder and heard Him plead on the cross, “I thirst.” A martyr for Christ, his words fill no pages. His silence speaks out, down through the ages.
John
John, a fisherman born in Bethsaida, was the greatest disciple of all, years of sailing rough waters had made a strong follower, one on whom Christ could call. His depth of faith and good understanding helped when he wrote of Christ and the times they shared of outdoor life that was so demanding. Spiritual words telling how much God cared. John stood at the cross with Mary weeping; thinking all they had worked for was done. Then love so enduring form Heaven came sweeping. Christ whispered, “Women, behold they son in age John grew gentle, too all men a brother. He prayed, “Little children, love one another.”
Philip
Jesus found Philip, a practical man and He called out saying, “Come, follow me” At once Philip followed without a plan, walking beside Him and happy to be. Next he shared this Christ with a friend of old, Nathanael Bartholomew by name. “Come see Him of whom the prophets told.” And Nathanael Bartholomew came. Still seeing that things were practically done, Philip came along to the Upper Room. He knew not that Christ and the Father were on till the day Christ arose from the tomb. Then this practical man found the faith to employ. He preached to them Christ and brought the world joy.
Bartholomew
Nathanael, sometimes called Bartholomew, Philip’s friend who came still disbelieving soon learned that good things came from Nazareth, too, though years of study slowed his believing. Born in Cana, he must have been a guest at the Wedding-walked where the Savior trod. Long before that day Christ had passed the test; Nathanael knew He was the Son of God. Three years they traveled along dusty ways: scenes filled with miracles, blind received sight. Twelve chosen men cold speak nothing but praise, Christ taught, “I am the way and the light.” Skeptical at first Nathanael grew strong. In faith he stood out far above the throng.
You can be an apostle or disciple for Jesus Christ too. All you have to do is to pick up your cross and follow him.
