Go Where I Go!
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose twelve men to serve as His disciples? Evidently, He had given it some thought as He had been praying for forty days. This was not random selection; it was a calculated decision. Was it because of the many good character traits they had? They did have positive traits after all; these were men of faith. When they saw Jesus, they said to one another, “‘We have found the Messiah,’” (NASB, John 1:41).
A thorough study of the Bible show us that, although character is important, God has never chosen His followers on the basis of character. Aaron was chosen by God to be Moses’ right-hand man, but we find him leading the congregation in the worship of a golden calf. The fathers of the tribes of Israel sold their younger brother as a slave. The man after God’s own heart fell into adultery and murder. These are the chosen ones of God? Leaders? Prophets? Why did He call them? Why does He call us? When we find out the real reason God calls us, it compels us to go!
Every Christian has a calling. God has bestowed on each of us gifts and talents that He calls us to use in His kingdom. These gifts should create within us the heart of a humble servant because we know they are gifts of His grace. As we journey through the Gospels and notice the “Go” statements of Jesus, we will see Him calling people to go use their talents. But again, before we are ever able to “go,” we must be willing to follow.