Be Prepared and Be Ready

# 297 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14) Then He appointed twelve, that they should be with Him.”

The twelve apostles. What sets them apart from the rest of the followers of Jesus? How are they foundational to the church? First of all, apostles are appointed by Jesus. Secondly, they were to men who forsook all in order to spend their time with Jesus.

Even as the disciples who were gathered in the upper room after the ascension of Jesus sought to replace Judas, they used this connection with Jesus as a criteria: (Acts 1:21-22) "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."

It's interesting that of the 120 persons present in the upper room, there were only two who met that qualification, and the lot fell to Matthias. He didn't make the original starting 12, but his perseverance in following Jesus paid off, and when his name was called off the bench, he was ready.

Sometimes in ministry and in life, we feel like we have been passed over, don't become bitter. Rather be patient, ever learning and ever ready. For you don't know when your name might be called to get into the game.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.