Today’s scripture: Matthew 10:1-4 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
As I was reading this passage, I thought about the twelve apostles, the kind of lives they led, and what they gave up in the process of becoming a disciple of Jesus. Could I do that?
Their willingness to suffer and to put aside all that the world had to offer reveals a defiant faith. They gave up money and power. Could I do that?
But they were human. They showed weakness at Jesus’ final hour, not able to remain awake to pray with Jesus. The disciples play a role in Jesus’ capture. They sell him out, they deny him. Would I do that?
Ultimately, the twelve apostles suffer imprisonment, crucifixion, and other violence toward them because of their faith. Could I do that? What is it that I am called to do today as God calls my name as a disciple?
It seems the disciples must have gone through a process of growth in the Christian faith. I read a book by Daniel Migliore a few years ago called Faith Seeking Understanding where he lists six criteria as marks of growth in Christian life. They are
- maturing as hearers of the Word of God,
- maturing in prayer,
- maturing in freedom of the Spirit of God and seeking God as a part of daily life,
- maturing in loving neighbor, including the poor and neglected,
- maturing in thankfulness and joy, and
- maturing in hope and in life on the way to fulfillment of God’s purposes for us.
I suspect the twelve that are listed in Matthew 10 were on their way maturing and growing in becoming and doing the things they did.
How am I doing? How am I growing in Christian life? As you read this passage and this devotion today, take an inventory of how you are maturing in Christian life, and ask for God’s guidance and help. What would it mean if your name were listed as disciple? Can you hear Jesus saying my name?
Thought for the day: God, help me to mature in my Christian life. Allow me to grow in the God’s Word, in prayer, in seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, in loving others, in my praise and thankfulness, and in seeking and fulfilling the purpose you have for me.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.