Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 10:2-4.
Wow, now that is a diverse team! Imagine impulsive Peter and analytical Thomas working side- by-side. Some of these twelve apostles had blue collar backgrounds, and some white collar. Perhaps the most striking difference comes between Matthew and Simon the Zealot. As a tax collector, Matthew earned a good living wrenching as much money in taxes as he could from his fellow Jews and sending the rest to the Romans for whom he worked. As a member of the Zealot party, Simon would have sworn to kill any occupying Roman soldier if the opportunity arose. While not all Zealots were violent, they are often labeled as the world’s first terrorists.
We can only imagine the conversations around the campfire at night, as these differences bubbled to the surface. Simon would likely have despised Matthew even more than he despised the Romans who ruled his country. He would have seen Matthew as a collaborator with the enemy and as someone who put profit over love of nation. I wonder whether Jesus teamed these two up together when he sent the apostles out by twos! Somehow, as they listened to Jesus’ teachings and began to model their lives after him, these two let their animosity toward one another melt away. Their love of Christ united them, and we can learn from them!
Personal Worship Option:
Pray today for someone whose views are very different from yours, someone whom you may have trouble even liking. Pray for their well-being, not for their change of view. Be open to God’s leading you to reach out to them.
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