July 8 | Disciples Are Always With Jesus
Mark 3:14, “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
By far the most important aspect of being a disciple is spending time with Jesus. Doing good works, performing miracles and helping others are all results of spending time with the Master. If a disciple ever attempts to do good works, miracles and help others without Christ, their work will be in vain and lack lasting good fruit.
God has always desired fellowship with the human race, this was the reason we were made in His image, male and female. The two becoming one was an illustration of God joining Himself to us (Ephesians 5:30-32). Everything from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 tells the story of God’s desire to be in blessed union with us.
There was never a time when God had another agenda with the human race other than relationship. The story of creation in Genesis shows God created man in His own image and likeness. God is a multi-personal being (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) with emotions, a mind and a will. When God created mankind He gave them the same abilities for communion with Himself (Genesis 3:8).
When man freely chose to separate Himself from God by sinning, the Father sent His Son to restore what was lost, by taking our place of punishment on the cross (John 3:16). Also, the Bible teaches that after Judgment Day the Father will say to every born again believer, “I will be their God and they will be my children,” (Revelation 21:7). From beginning to end, and everything in between, God has always desired fellowship with us. Adrian Rodgers once said, “Christianity is a love relationship between a child of God and his Maker through the Son Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit."
As a result, the question to all potential disciples is, “Do you want to be with Jesus?” Everyone may be called, but not everyone is chosen (Matthew 22:14). God’s choice has already been made, He has called the whole human race into fellowship, but each individual person now must decide to choose a relationship with God. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Therefore, just like the first disciples had to make a personal choice to be with Jesus, you must make a faithful commitment to be with Jesus.
Reflection
Action
- Proclaim your love for Jesus by opening the door of your heart to Him now and for the rest of your life.
- Repent if sin gets in the way of your relationship with God.
- Make a daily choice to never leave Jesus.