It’s a “12 Apostles” Part 2 Saturday.
LORD CALL US THAT WE TOO MIGHT SERVE THEE AND THY PEOPLE. AMEN.
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew: Thomas and Matthew the publican, James the son of Alpheus and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” (Matthew 10: 2-4; K.J.V.)
Thomas
Thomas, the twin, so the story is told, was one who doubted that Christ lives again. “I would see for myself,” he said so bold. “I would see the nail prints that caused Him pain.” Christ, knowing his heart, appeared once more, came to the place where the apostles had trod, (they had hidden away behind a closed door.) He heard Thomas say, “My Lord and my God!” Later they fished the Liberia’s Sea all night with no catch. When morning arose Christ called to them, “Children have you meat? Cast your nets to the right.” Their nets overflowed. “Be not faithless, but believing, “Christ said, Thomas, who doubted, now believed instead!
Matthew
Matthew, businessman, cash and accountant. The least likely candidate one could choose, to be a disciple. Bad opinions surmounting, hadn’t he often kept out more than his dues? Jesus said to Matthew, the sinner, “Come.” He arouse without question or thought. It was a sign that no one was excluded from this new order that Christ coming had brought. Jesus ate with Matthew’s disreputable friends. While the Pharisees exclaimed in disgust. He said, “I come to call men from their sins. God is faithful, forgiving and just. “Matthew, the publican, gratefully came, left us the gospel that bears his good name!
James, the Less
One of those mysteries yet to be solved is the disciple James, and who he was. We know his mother was deeply involved. She was Mary who came to the tomb because they had spices and wanted to anoint Him. We know James’ father was Alpheus, too. But it was Christ who chose to appoint him one of the twelve, and gave him his work to do. “Provide no scrip for your journey, no shoes. Heal the sick; cleanse the leper, “He said. “Go into whatsoever town you choose and cast out devils, freely give, and raise the dead.” Although little is known of James, the Less, Christ saw in him faith and righteousness.
Judas, Not Iscariot
Judas, called Thaddeus, was fine and true. The name means “dear one” or from the heart. Those who walked daily so near to him knew he was humble and loving right from the start. Judas, not Iscariot, thus John wrote, being careful to show which one he meant. So much is told of Judas, you will note, but of the other, only one event. At the Last Supper Christ’s teaching was heard. To Judas who questioned, came words of praise. “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. I and my Father will love him always. “A name can mean much or nothing at all. It’s how lives are lived that others recall.
Simon
Zealots were political with one goal to save Judea from the Roman rule. Christ chose Simon for a different role. Where love and honor were accepted tools. Simon, the Zealot, was a servant of God. With enthusiasm that could inspire others. Daily he walked the paths that Christ trod and was zealous to set the world on fire. From the Mount Olives to Jerusalem was only Sabbath day away. Here Simon came to an upper room and with others began to fast and pray. A patriot, yes . . .. With a different plan . . . Gave his all for the cause of God and man.
Judas Iscariot
New Judas was hell bent for destruction-bound and determined to have his own way. One of the twelve who heard Christ’s instruction, money was the trap that led him astray. True, he was the tool authorities used. The promise of money was all he asked. He stood before Christ. It was time to choose. One of the twelve chose that devilish task. Repenting, he tried his best to appeal saying, I betrayed an innocent man. He took his own life. They bought Potter’s field. Ancient prophets had told of the plan. That one of the twelve betrayed Christ the Lord has been recorded in God’s Holy World.
You can be an apostle or disciple for Jesus Christ too. All you have to do is confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, then pick up your cross and follow him.
