Daily Devotion, July 25, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 6:12-16.

I wonder, when Jesus went out to the mountainside that evening to pray, whether he even went to ask for guidance in selecting the twelve. Perhaps he knew it was time for that, but perhaps he simply went to ask, “What next? You see what I am doing, Father. Is there something I need to do differently, or is there some particular action I need to take now?” It is good for us as believers and disciples to pray that way, and it is important for the church to seek God’s direction in exactly this way. But it can be scary...God responds to those kinds of prayers!

However he came to the decision, Jesus knew it was time to select a few whom he would send out to do his work, whom he would intently teach, and who would carry on his work after he was crucified. How many to select? Whom should he select from all his disciples? I am convinced that Jesus did not sit and speak all night long to his heavenly Father. I believe he spent a good deal of that night listening to Him. This was one of the most important decisions Jesus would make, and he made it through conversation with the Father. And the next morning, he went into action, moving quickly and decisively, as one can move only when we know we are doing God’s work and within God’s will.

Adult Challenge:

Is there a time in your life when you sought God’s direction in a situation that reminds you of this night of prayer? Are you facing an important decision now? Have you had a conversation with God about your choices, asking God for wisdom and insight? Don’t expect God to send a plane overhead, pulling a banner with the answer on it (would be nice sometimes)! But when we listen, really listen, God does speak into our decisions.

Youth Challenge:

What was the hardest decision you ever had to make? What do you think will be one of the big decisions of your life? How big will prayer and listening be in that decision? Do you think the disciples spent a lot of time in prayer before Jesus selected them? Whatever your answer is, why do you think they were so willing to drop everything and follow him?

Children's Challenge:

Don’t let your youth or inexperience keep you from joining God’s team. God isn’t looking for perfection. Jesus spent three years working on Peter, James, John, Andrew, and the others. They still didn’t get it, and none of them did understand fully until they went home to be with Jesus in Heaven. But they were willing to serve, and God used them to do great things.

Are you ready for some adventure? Are you ready to answer God’s call? Wherever you are, whatever you do in a week, God can use you right there to share his love with others.

The invitation has been extended, and Jesus is waiting to hear from you. Are you ready to join the Jesus League?

• Which super hero team would you want to save the world: the Avengers or the Justice League?
• Play some super hero charades. Write down a few super hero names and have the family members draw names that they have to act out.