TWELVE

12

 

When I played basketball in my youth, I always requested the uniform with either the number 7 or 11, but now I believe my new lucky number will be 12.

     Yesterday in bible study, we read about the new heaven. It will be designed with 12 gates of pearl, 12 angels at the gates, written on them were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. There were 12 foundations and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. 

     I found, with research, the number 12 was used often in scripture. Aside from those already mentioned above, the following are just a few others:  

 

Jacob has 12 sons

Joseph was the 12th son born to Jacob

Moses sent out 12 spies

Elijah built an altar of 12 sones 

12 minor prophets are in the bible

Jesus’s first words are recorded at the age of 12 

Jesus has 12 disciples

At the feeding of the 5,000, there were 12 remaining baskets of leftovers

When Peter cut off the soldier’s ear, Jesus could have called down 12 legions of angels

In Revelation, the tree of life will bear 12 fruit crops 12 times a year  

      

I write this because I find it so interesting along with the fact that we have 12 months in a year.

Follow Me!

      When Jesus started His ministry and called His first disciples, He said, "Follow me!"  We are told in Matthew 4:22, "Immediately they left their boat and father and followed Him."  I question, "Is my faith great enough to do the same."

     "Follow me!" comes a voice, giving a choice.
     The excuse comes in a whiny hum, "I do not have the skill."
     "Follow me.  You will.  Walk my way, this day."
     I question what I will continue to say?  

     Will I be brave or in weakness remain a worldly slave?

     Am I convicted that Jesus is not limited or restricted?
     "Follow me!" again comes the voice, so small.
     Will I say with joyful sigh, "Here am I" as Jesus stands waiting while I am hesitating? 

     

     

     

     

Rejoice

     I find myself rejoicing when something good happens or when I feel like I have done something good.  But what should I rejoice most over?
     I was given insight into this when I read what Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:17,20, "When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!"  Jesus replied, "But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you: rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." 
     Wow!  If I rejoice over my name being registered in heaven, I will rejoice every hour of every day, not just when I feel like it when something goes right for the day or I have sense of accomplishment.  My salvation is my joy.

Chose Who You Will Serve

     When I think about who I want to walk beside every day, the One who comes to mind is Jesus.  That is who the disciples also decided they wanted to walk with and to have a relationship with.  When Jesus says, "Follow me," we all have to make a choice, just as the disciples did. 
     The disciples chose to follow Him.  They chose to accept Him as their Master.  They chose to have faith in Him.  They chose to love Him.  Yet, when I read about Peter, he also chose to deny Jesus.  Judas chose to betray Jesus.  The difference between Peter and Judas was that Peter  chose to ask for forgiveness, and received peace. 
     What were their rewards for following Jesus?  They saw Jesus "hush the wind and calm the sea." They saw Him heal the lame and the blind.  They watched as He cast out demons.  They saw Him raise the dead.  They saw Him carry His own cross.  They saw Him mocked and scorned.  They saw Him carry His own cross to a death in which He died for them and for all mankind.  They knew His love. 
     What are my rewards?   I have a Savior who hears my every request.  I have salvation through His grace.  I have forgiveness when I fail Him, if I choose to ask.  I have His love and His peace which "surpasses all understanding." 

Sea of Galilee

     I have just had a highlight experience; a visit to Israel!   One of the most memorable parts of the tour was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  At between 600 to 700 feet below sea level, this is probably the lowest freshwater lake and also one of the greatest sources of water for Israel. 
     It was at the Sea of Galilee that Peter walked on the water.  (Matthew 14:29 "And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.")   This is also the sea that some disciples left their work to follow Jesus.  (Matthew 4:18-19 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."  Vs. 21-22 "And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.  And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.")
     Oh, to have the faith of Peter even for just a little while as he stepped out of that boat! Oh, to have the faith of these men who dropped their nets and left their families to follow Jesus!  It takes complete faith and lack of fear.
     Matthew 14: 27 "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."