“Lord, Thank You For Calling Me!”

“Lord, Thank You For Calling Me!”
According to Luke Jesus spent a whole night on a mountainside praying before selecting from among his disciples the twelve whom he “designated apostles.” Intense prayer before the selection of leaders remain paramount within any faith community.
Luke ends the list of the twelve with, “and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor”(6:12-16). Conversion is a process and never an event. God in Christ takes us as we are with the hope that all things being equal, he will make us what he wants us to become. Was it only Judas Iscariot who was selfcentered to the point of betraying Jesus? No! He was once a good guy, trusted to be the “Pay Master General” of the Jesus Cabinet of twelve. He was a good man before he “became a traitor.” What about the power hungry brothers James and John whose ambitions were to occupy the seats closest to Christ on his both sides? They didn’t care whatever rank the others might have. How about indecisive Peter whom at one point Jesus even considered to be Satan! One time he vows to die for Jesus, another moment he denies him. What about the rest who were angry that James and John went lobbying for top positions? They each nursed such ambitions of being there too!
And of course, they all fled and abandoned Jesus at the time he needed them most?
Jesus knows the fickleness of human nature, but he calls us all the same; despite our fickleness! He calls us to work on us to make us what we ought to be.
Even as Son of God Jesus also felt abandonment. One time he asked the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” The good news is that he calls us never to abandon us! He walks with you and I everyday!
We sing that prayer is a key, a master key which unlocks all doors. Pray therefore always before acting! Remember that you and I have not been called because “perfection” was our recommended trait; we have been called because Jesus needs a cabinet! Jesus has called you to salvation! He called you with his blood! When the odds are staked against you, look only to him who spilled his blood for your sake! Our times are in his hands!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for calling me. I remain the clay in your hand, mould me to the shape you so desire. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!