Morning Devotional

June 22, 2004

"The Disciples (Part 11)"

by Don Emmitte

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Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions, calling them apostles. He sent them out to preach, and he gave them authority to cast out demons. These are the names of the twelve he chose: Simon (he renamed him Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). (Mark 3:13-19 NLT).

In the listing of disciples, notice the name of Simon. He is called the Zealot. To understand who Simon was, you must understand a Zealot. Zealots were a group of anti-Roman activists. They hated the Romans, and refused to bow down to their rule. They were attempting to undermine Roman authority, and bring the Jewish people back to power. They were passionate about their cause, refusing to give in at any cost. They were very zealous in their work; hence the name Zealots.

Which brings us back to Simon. This was a risky choice for a disciple. Being a Zealot, Simon would bring undue attention to the disciples by the Roman authorities. Simon was not a "safe" choice like a calmer, gentler disciple may have been. However, that should not surprise us. Jesus is known for picking the unlikely picks. Who would have picked one who was not gifted in speech to be Moses and lead the people out of Egypt, or a mere shepherd boy to be king David, or a persecutor of Christians to be the great servant Paul? In the mind of Christ, Simon was a perfect choice. He would bring the same "zeal" to the work of Christ as he had given to being a Zealot!

Isn't it great that Christ chose what seem foolish to the world to do His great work? Doesn't it provide hope for you and me? Aren't you glad God looks for the potential in you and me, instead of our background? Simon was picked because of who He would become. So are you and I!

That’s the beauty of grace. It is not who we are, or what we may bring to the task that causes God to choose. He chooses simply because of who he is. When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway—that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God. Our reaction ought to be one of thanksgiving. Are you thankful for God’s choice in your life? Thanksgiving results in obedience and obedience will bring peace. Try it!