As I begin a new Bible Reading plan with you this year (today's readings are Genesis 3-4, Psalm 2, Matthew 1:18-25, and Acts 1:12-26), I had a couple of thoughts that parallel our ministry plan this year.

From Acts 1:12-26: The disciples of Jesus chose a replacement for Judas after Jesus' ascension from those who had been present since his baptism by John.  In other words, there were more than 12 others present throughout Jesus' earthly ministry.  12 were specifically called by Christ, but this passage in Acts draws its meaning from the ability to choose from more than one other person who had been present over the three years prior to Jesus' crucifixion, had not deserted prior to the resurrection (had seen Jesus as they had) and was continuing to "wait" with them until he ascended.  Two were chosen, but there could have been others (at least one, necessitating a "choice").  It occurs to me that this is our company (even more than the apostles) in light of the fact that they are never spoken of prior to their call or afterwards and that one of them is chosen, but then not "taken".  We can be these kind of disciples - followers without recognition and disciples without leadership office.  Churches are (and should be) full of them.  What was their life after this?  What is mine?

From Matthew 1:18-25: Joseph "does what he is called on to do".  He is faithful to his Lord and His love, even when doing so cannot be explained to anyone else other than through the explanation, "I believe this is what God would have me to do."  How wonderful our world would be if we had more men who followed through on their promises, did what God commanded, and trusted God with the results.

From Genesis 3-4:  God intended us to live without shame.  Adam and Eve's relationship is eternally altered when they violate God's commands to them.  Their lives, which were intended to be guided by pure love - expressed first to God and then to one another - are changed by their choice of lust - to be like God and then to see each other in ways that simply "use" one another.  How wonderful to return to the better way, possible for every couple who truly seeks God's fullness of the Spirit and is guided in their relationships by Him.  Anything less is less than God's design or our future.  No wonder marriage works better when both are submitted to Him and then to each other (Ephesians).

From Psalm 2:  David cries out from exile (Absalom his son has usurped his throne) for all rebel kings to seek accountability to God, for they will have to walk there sooner or later.  A sad psalm that is true today for all leaders, but has its roots in the discipline pain of David's own poor choices.

From Exodus 20:1-3 (for Sunday):  God is the Lord and there should be no one before Him.  Hebrew wording is that this is the same "elohim" that created all things (Gen. 1) - no surprise that he can bring the people out of Egypt and that the wording here is plural (trinity has existed from the beginning).  It also points out that he is sovreign over all things (Lord) and that all bends to his existence )His name as given to Moses (same word here, never uttered by Jews as they read this aloud) implies no yesterday, today or tomorrow for "I AM".  It lastly makes clear in very few words that God wants nothing else determining where we face or in between us as He instructs and we follow.  We are to be distracted by nothing.  What is more important than this to us?  Is there anything that we will do\have whether we do\have anything else or not (our passion)?  If so, why?

K