Calling Disciples

Luke 6:12-13

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”

Sunday, I heard a tremendous sermon on discipleship that inspired this week’s devotional. No matter where we are located or what we are doing, I believe the ultimate goal for each one of us is the mandate of Christ to “go and make disciples in all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) I believe several keys to making disciples are revealed in the opening portion from Luke 6:12-13. These are basic keys that I believe we all need to review in our lives that are a constant part of making disciples.

Prayer – Jesus pulled away from everything for a time of prayer. This was a repetitive act that distinguished His life and ministry. Everything He did and everything we do that has eternal consequences is born out of prayer. Prayer is the key to our relationship with the Father. Prayer encourages, inspires and energizes us in our everyday walk. Prayer enables us to see things as God sees things and to respond as He would respond. Pray empowers us to do what we could not do in ourselves. Making disciples requires concentrated prayer.

Called – “He called His disciples to Himself.” Every disciple of Christ responded to an intentional call by Christ. A call requires a decision and demands a response. We are all familiar with the Muslim “call to prayer.” Not everyone comes, but the call goes forth daily, confronting people and requiring a decision and response. How much more important is it for us to give a clear call no matter what the response. Jesus called them to Himself. Our call is to a relationship with Christ, but we have to give the call. For without the call, a person does not have the opportunity to accept or reject a saving relationship with Christ. Jesus said “Many are called but few are chosen.” If you have ever been is sales, you know it takes a lot of calls to make one sale. Making disciples requires persistent calls no matter what the cost.

Chosen – “He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” It takes a boldness to call people, but it takes a commitment to disciple them. Many people who respond to the call, respond out of great need, and takes a commitment of time and energy on our part to disciple them. Jesus committed himself three and a half years, almost 24/7, to the ones He chose to be with Him. He called them intentionally and discipled them purposefully to be apostles or “sent ones.” While He continued to call and minister to the multitudes, the future of the church rode upon the ones He discipled. Making disciples requires choosing and committing ourselves to people who will disciple others.

Andy Clark