Today's Passage - Luke 6:12-19

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 6:12-19   One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God... He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.   When Lord Jesus was in the world, He called His own people, and also expected His people to experience the glory and authority of the Kingdom of God. When Jesus started to minister, He chose those who believed Him; the twelve disciples were selected to testify the death and resurrection of Jesus. Actually, every Christian who's born again is selected by God. The word "church" means a group of people who are called. 1 Peter 2:9 says that "...but you are a chosen people (which is the church), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Every one of us is chosen by God, to follow God and to become disciple of the Lord.   We might think we are weak and can't do much for the Lord. Take a look at, however, the disciples that Jesus chose, for there weren't any famous characters. Peter was a natural leader, but he was emotionally unstable. Jesus called James and John "Sons of Thunder," to highlight His expectation for them to achieve great things for God, but also to reflect that they were men of hot temper. Andrew, Philly and Bartholomew were faithful followers, but not great leaders or talented men. Matthew was a tax collector, whom the Jews despised. Thomas was remembered for his skeptical nature. We don't even know who James, son of Alphaeus is. Finally, there was Judas who sold Jesus.   Although these people were not outstanding, the Lord loved them and personally chose them. If the Lord could use them to achieve great things back in those days, He can also use us today. Don't ever look down on yourself, because you are extremely precious in the eyes of Christ. Let us be determined to live for the Lord everyday.   Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you, for we are so weak, but you still were willing to choose us to be your disciples, and receive your grace all our life. May the Lord help us to never forsake your grace; we want to be lifted high for you and live for you everyday. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!