Time to Pray

Good Morning! 

Last night, approximately 70 people gathered to hear God’s Word and pray … in spite of the Coronavirus. And we did not go against Governor Kemp’s direction to not gather … because we did so virtually. We all ZOOMed in to hear our pastor share about how Jesus chose His disciples. Of course, I want to share my notes with you this good morning.

Luke 6:12-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

The preacher posed these questions: How do you make your decisions?  Do you take time to do any research or consult with other people?  Do you just decide as you go along?  Do you seek the wisdom of God in prayer?

Jesus was at the beginning of His ministry.  He had more than twelve people following Him … but He knew that His earthly journey was limited … and that the message would have to go forward.  Who would He entrust with the message and the ministry?  So … as we look at verse 12 and 13, we see these four points …

1.      His action was intentional.  Jesus chose to pray to His Father about His choice.  He didn’t just look around at the people following Him. He considered each person carefully.  I wonder … when He came to Judas, did He see what Judas would do in the future and choose him because He knew OR did His Father direct Him to make that choice?

2.      He went to a specific location.  Luke records that Jesus went to the mountain to pray.  Now I don’t know which mountain it was … but I do know that Jesus was choosing to get away from others as He was making this consideration.  Sometimes we can get too much input from others. In our study of God’s Word, we find that the mother of James and John was concerned about where they fit in the hierarchy of Jesus’ work … not realizing that those who were most prominent would be the ones most vulnerable. Jesus went to a place where He could be alone with God.  Our lesson is to get away from the “noise” … to get alone with God to seek His will.

3.      Duration … Jesus prayed all night.  The decision Jesus was making would have impact throughout the entire world.  Eleven of these men would carry God’s message to all of the known world during their lifetime.  Ten of these men would become martyrs … beginning with James. I can almost hear Jesus speaking to His Father … “Father, what do you see in Simon?  I know he is quick to speak but he also has the potential to lead all. Should I choose him?” Our prayers for guidance should take time.

4.      Revelation … when Jesus returned from His night of prayer, He quickly chose the men who we know as disciples. But note … Jesus empowered them … naming them all apostles.  There is a difference between being a disciple (follower) and being an apostle (leader).  Later, Jesus would send all of these men into Israel to proclaim Him – even Judas. 

This morning, as each one of us is beginning this good day, can we slip away and ask God for His direction for our day.  If there is a decision that is burdening, each one of us should spend time asking God to give us the most appropriate answer.  It may take some time … but that is okay … we want to know what God wants for us.

Hey, listen … I love all of you as my brother or sister.  I pray that each one of you will have a great day today.  Blessings to each of you this good, good day.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer:  Father, far too often my prayers are “drive by” prayers, just a quick few words … and no listening.  Help me realize the value of time spent with You, seeking Your solutions to my many needs so that I might be a glory to You. In Jesus, Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Luke 6:12-16