“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2
You are probably wondering about the title of this devotion, but as I was seeking the Lord for inspiration this morning, those words came to my mind as I thought of the disciples that Jesus chose to proclaim the message of His Kingdom.
The definition of motley is “incongruously varied in appearance or character.”
Look at some of the men that Jesus chose from diverse backgrounds and possessing distinctive characteristics. Peter was a bold, impetuous fisherman, afraid of nothing, declaring he would die for the Lord, yet found himself denying Him in a moment of weakness. Thomas was not willing to take another’s word but wanted to have proof before he would believe. Matthew was a rich tax collector but was willing to forsake it all to follow Jesus. James and John motivated by their mother, desired to have a prominent position in the kingdom. Judas had a love for money and though he professed to love Jesus, he was willing to betray him for thirty pieces of silver. It was no coincidence that these men were chosen. Jesus had a plan and purpose for each one of them.
It appears that they all expected Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom, even though Jesus impressed upon them over and over that His kingdom was not of this world. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples went to the Upper Room to wait for the promise that Jesus had given them. After the Holy Spirit was outpoured, they all stood together as Peter preached the message of salvation to the crowds in Jerusalem, using the keys of the kingdom that Jesus had entrusted to him.
When we obey the words that Peter used in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” we make Jesus the King and Lord of our lives. From all levels of society, we become members of His Kingdom. Bound together by the Holy Spirit, filled with love and compassion, we are His disciples and His ambassadors to the world. Though all different, the Lord uses our abilities and gifts to fulfill His plan and purpose.
Prayer: Lord, we all come from diverse backgrounds, we have different personalities and gifts. But you have chosen us and made us part of your Kingdom, and we desire to be faithful and true to You.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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