Mark 3 Jesus' call

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means "sons of thunder"), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
(Mark 3:13-19 NIV)

I find the calling for the 12 interesting. The first part of their calling is to simply be with Jesus. That is a good reminder for me as a missionary to the college campus, I believe the first part of my calling is also to simply be with Jesus. In the Word, in prayer in repenting and believing the gospel the good news of Jesus that the kingdom of god is near. That is my first calling.

Only in being close to Jesus were the apostles sent out to preach and to cast out demons.

I find it interesting how the gospels give away the end whenever they mention Judas Iscariot. They don't wait but make it clear from the beginning Judas was a traitor and will go on later in the gospel to betray Jesus. I think maybe it is because Jesus knew that he would be betrayed and he knew who would betray him from the very beginning. Jesus was not surprised. Jesus called Judas in knowing what would come. It is amazing to me how Jesus could love and be close to Judas calling him a friend for three years knowing what was to come. It reminds me of the parable of the wedding banquet when the man who did not put on the wedding clothes is addressed by the host God as friend even as he is ordering him to be cast out.

This does set an interesting example and gives of ministry. It is good to remember even if something goes seemingly wrong in ministry or people leave our group or even leaders betray their leadership that God is sovereign and good and is not surprised. God help me to remember you are in control and help me not to worry but to simply be faithful and dependent on you. And in the hard times and unexpected challenges I ask for the heart to pray in weakness and dependence and not demanding bitter or anger. God help me to call others and myself into leadership and faithfulness!
Amen