Mark 3:13-19
13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Reflection
Jesus calls a distinct group of 12 to be his constant followers. The Twelve are to be with Jesus (Mark 3:14) and follow his example by spreading the message of the gospel of the kingdom of God (1:14–15), and by expelling demons. Jesus is setting the foundations for his people as his disciples learn to be with him and pursue his mission in the strength he provides.
The initial disciples will be involved in unique aspects of Jesus’ earthly ministry—for example, they were sent out in pairs to the cities of Israel, with specific instructions for what they should take with them (see Mark 6:7–13). Today, Christ is with every one of his disciples through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In his strength we are to live, work, and testify in the world as Christlike followers.
1 Corinthians 16:5-11
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Reflection
Even though the Corinthian church is spiritually ill, Paul genuinely loves these believers and wants to spend significant time with them (1 Cor. 16:5–7). The family of God has flaws, and it is important that we graciously endure challenging seasons for the sake of one another’s growth. Paul models Christlike patience and commitment in the way he serves and pursues this challenging church family.
Paul also expects the Corinthians to maintain their love for him as a minister of the gospel. It is important for the church family to offer encouragement— including financial support —to those who labor in spreading the good news (vv. 5–11, 15–18). Here again we see that those who are impacted by God’s grace are marked by selfless service rather than selfish indulgence.
Psalm 68:34-35
34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. 35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
God promises to strengthen you to endure as you put your trust in him. Ask for the Spirit’s strength to live boldly for Christ today.