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Morning Devotion for the Season after Pentecost
July 10, 2024
The Invitatory
The earth is the Lord’s for he made it: O come, let us adore him.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 10: 1-7
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
One can only imagine what a heady experience it must have been to be “summoned” and then immediately given power over unclean spirits; yet, remembering the deep seated fear that gripped many people in the first century, this particular “labor pool” must have had some real doubts about answering this particular call. Yet, Jesus does persist, as he does need to have helpers or staff, one might say. Of course, as any good leader, Jesus is looking to the future, assessing what a succession plan might look like.
But what recommends these men to Jesus for their role in his ministry? They were all quite ordinary. They were not men of great wealth; if anything, most were what we might consider working class. None came with any sort of academic background. These men were all common people, who pursued ordinary tasks and had no special education, with no particular social advantage.
And that’s just it. What was most needed and appropriate for Jesus’ ministry was not so much men who were extraordinary ; rather, what was most needed were ordinary men who can undertake ordinary tasks and ventures extraordinarily well. And, of course, Jesus has such a vision that he can discern in each man both the quality of the man and also what Jesus can make of him. Jesus chose these men, not only for what they were but also for what they were capable of becoming under his influence and his power. What is most powerfully heartening and uplifting is that no one need think that he has nothing to offer. Jesus can and will take what the most ordinary man can offer and make use of it for greatness.
Taken together, these twelve men proved to be a most extraordinary mixture. Little did they know at first that they would have to prepare to face death or that they would have to develop a strong resolve to steel them from any pain. To what lengths would they have to go? Who would expect Jesus knowingly to choose someone for his inner circle who would ultimately betray him, and yet set the path for his crucifixion and resurrection? All these men had very different temperaments, yet even this was meant to be. All of this would unfold in Jesus’ presence.
Jesus chose them and he called these twelve men – men who would commit to his work. Moreover, he called them and in so doing offered to them the work they were to undertake. This underscores their willingness to be of service. And that is what Jesus wants those who are willing volunteers. Then going a step further, he then appoints them, gives them a recognition of their work and value. Finally these men would be learners, willing to open their minds and hearts to learn throughout their relationship to Jesus.
It is because Jesus desired to be in relationship with these men that he chose them. This is altogether most important if the disciples would ultimately carry on his work in the world. They must live in his presence, so that they can become apostles, capable of bringing others to Christ. And in order to bring others to Christ they must be in his presence to receive Christ’s message
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee, and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory, and the welfare of thy people through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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