By Andrew Williams
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These were the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew…” – Mark 3:13-16, 18 (NIV)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Mark 3:13-16, 18 describes Jesus’ deliberate act of choosing and appointing the twelve apostles. The primary purpose of their calling was “that they might be with him” – intimacy and fellowship were paramount. From this close proximity, Jesus intended to “send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Andrew, listed among the twelve, was specifically chosen to be in that inner circle, receiving both the privilege of close relationship and the power for ministry.
As a disciple, your relationship with Jesus is not just about doing things for Him; it’s about being with Him. Just as Andrew was called to be in close proximity to Jesus, you too are invited into a deep, intimate relationship with the Savior. This closeness empowers you to minister effectively, to speak with authority, and to manifest God’s power in your life. Your ability to impact the world flows from the time you spend with Jesus.
This week, prioritize spending time in the presence of Jesus. Carve out moments for prayer, meditation on His Word, and quiet reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw you closer to Jesus and to reveal His heart to you. Resist the temptation to get so busy with ministry that you neglect your relationship with the Savior. Remember that your effectiveness in serving God flows from your intimacy with Him. The closer you get, redirecting your focus to His presence, the more effective you will be in the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for inviting me into a deep, intimate relationship with You. Help me to prioritize spending time in Your presence and to resist the temptation to get too busy with other things. Draw me closer to You by the power of the Holy Spirit and reveal Your heart to me. Empower me to serve You effectively and to manifest Your power in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
