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by Sandy Shaw
A disciple of Jesus Christ can never resign if the Calling of God is upon his life. O, he can run away, or give in and give up, or be like Judas, and go and hang himself.
For three years these disciples of Jesus would be learning - coming close - observing - watching – and absorbing. They were uniquely privileged to have this superb training.
They are soon to be thrust out into the world. They did not know what they were getting into. Peter was in the front line. That is the way Jesus works.
They were called - taught - commissioned – equipped, and anointed to preach, heal, teach and lead. This was to be a life of excitement and dedication in the service of the Kingdom of God.
We are reading in Matthew Chapter 12, having just completed Chapter 11 where we read of honest doubt, and criticism, and apathy, but also profound encouragement as Jesus invited people to come to him.
We have a commission to win sinners. This is what we are called to. God always has a group who are chosen, and even in that group there will be those whom He will call to come closer, like Peter James and John. These disciples were going to be used by God to change the world. God is calling us to do all that we can.
We have been seeing here, in the Gospel of Matthew, two groups - those who need Jesus – and those whom Jesus needs – but there appears another group – those who do not want Jesus at all.
We come to verse 15 of Matthew Chapter 12. Jesus knew what was going on. God knows what is going on. Jesus saw and was aware and knew that He was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah – Isaiah 42 – the servant – the Servant King!
Isaiah sees God sending a servant. Now, that is a word we seldom use today. It has almost gone out of use, but it is an important word.
If you belong to Jesus Christ then not only are you a servant, but you are a slave - a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and a slave of the Son of God - which enables us to experience perfect freedom. That is something which the world just cannot see.
What is a servant? A servant is someone who is subservient to someone else. A servant is someone who is at the disposal of someone else. A servant - and this is especially true in the Kingdom of God - a servant is more concerned about serving than any rights he may think he has.
God is going to do more than just speak words of comfort. He is going to send someone who will comfort, fortress and fortify people. God is going to send someone who will be at His disposal - and who will truly desire to do His Will - someone who will be eager to obey Him. That was Jesus.
Jesus came to do what God had called Israel to do.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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