Devotion:
Read Luke 6:12-16.
We all know that Jesus could have conducted his ministry on his own. After all, he was and is God, a member of the Trinity. But even in that understanding, we see God as being in relationship. Jesus set that example in his ministry. While the usual custom of the day was that students would seek out a rabbi under whom to study, Jesus went about seeking his disciples, calling those who nobody would consider to be qualified. He spent much time with them, teaching by both words and actions. He answered their questions and guided them into new understandings. He commanded them to love each other, saying that is how other people would be able to identify them as belonging to him.
But he also set an example for them by intentionally taking time apart to be alone. He knew of his own need to spend time alone with his heavenly Father and clear his mind of the many distractions around him each day. He needed time to physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually be renewed and refreshed to continue his mission.
Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was not focused on being just between him and each of them as individuals. The focus was on them being a group, bonding together and caring for each other. All this is a reminder of God’s relationships in the Old Testament days. Much of the attention of the writers is on “the people of God” or “the Children of Israel,” yet there is also attention given to God’s relationship with individuals, like Moses, Samuel and David.
God relates to you personally, yet calls you into relationship with others.
Personal Worship Option:
As you seek to represent God each day, how are you most fulfilled: alone or with others? To which one is God inviting you to go further or deeper?
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