Our Scripture reading today is Luke 6:14-16, "Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor."
These twelve names have been connected with the Lord Jesus and His ministry for all of church history. They are unique in many ways but will always be known as the twelve. As I meditated on the names, I did not think about each one, but I did think about the total number...12. I am not referring to the significance of 12 over 11 or 13. I was reminded this morning of what seems to be such a small number and yet it is from these disciples (minus Judas Iscariot) that we have the church we are a part of today. Jesus Christ founded the church with these men and it was empowered at Pentecost.
What if every follower of Jesus Christ were to invest their life into 12 people? I did not say 1,200 or 12,000, but 12. I know as a pastor, it can be easy to get caught up in building a bigger church. It seems like there is a statement that refers to quality over quantity. The Lord is emphasizing this truth as I read this list earlier this morning. Who am I pouring my life into? Who am I teaching Biblical truths? Every follower of Jesus Christ should be passing on what they have been given. By God's grace, He has given me much. How much truth has He given you?
I am praying for our church family to grab a hold of this principle and never let go. Be a teacher of the Word of God. God will bring people into your life that you can disciple. We have many new Christians in the church right now that NEED to be discipled. It is impossible for 1-2 people to handle this load. Please pray now for your 12. It is about time we wring out our "sponge of truth" and teach others also.