Mark 3:14, “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
By far the most important aspect of being a disciple is spending time with Jesus. Doing good works, performing miracles, and helping others are all results of spending time with the Master. If a disciple ever attempts to do good works, miracles, and help others without Christ, their work will be in vain and lack any good fruit.
God has always desired fellowship with mankind (both male and female). The story of creation in Genesis shows God created man in His own image and likeness. God is a multi-personal being (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) with emotions, a mind, and a will. When God created mankind He gave them the same abilities for communion with Himself, Genesis 3:8.
When man freely chose to separate Himself from God by sinning, the Father sent His Son to restore what was lost by taking our place, John 3:16. The Bible then records that after Judgment Day the Father will say to His people, “I will be their God and they will be my children,” Revelation 21:7. Therefore, from beginning to end and everything in between God has and always will desire fellowship with His creation.
As a result, the simple question to all potential disciples is, “Do you want to be with Jesus?” Everyone may be called, but not everyone is chosen, Matthew 22:14. God only chooses to be with those who truly set their heart on Him. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Therefore, just like the first disciples had to make a personal choice to be with Jesus, you must make a faithful commitment to be with Jesus!
Reflection
Action
- Proclaim your love for Jesus by opening the door of your heart to Him both now and for the rest of your life.
- Never leave Jesus.
- Help others follow Jesus.
