Jesus' 12

I recently heard one of my many mentors in Christ (Brad) speak on the subject of the Apostles. It was very enlightening and made me think. Hope it does the same for you.

Most of the Apostles, Jesus's 12 were under 18 years old. The reason given was the story of the "coin in the fishes mouth" which can be found in the Bible (Matthew 17:24-27). It was said the coin in the story was enough pay the taxes for Jesus and Peter even though the other disciples were present. During this time, men under 20 were not required to pay the roman taxes, which led to the suggestion that the other disciples were all under 20!

When I heard this, not only did it catch me surprise (as it was the first time I had ever heard anything in regards to the disciples ages, because I always assumed they were around the same age of Jesus) it also inspired me to step my game up for the Lord. This statement by Brad challenged me to be like Jesus' 12 here in the world I live in. I am 22 years old, and why can't I model after the Apostle's and do as they did throughout their life especially their younger years?

Jesus' disciples were young and they changed the world drastically for Christ and there is no reason why you nor I can't do the same. We must be changemakers for Christ, for His name and His glory.

Please think about this, pray about this, as God has called us to be on FHIRE for him so we can Follow In His Righteous Example. As we live young and unashamed for him as disciples we must follow His Great Commission and do as we were commanded and make disciples. . Be blessed and never forget the words of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The Reply

As we celebrated Christmas, in the midst of the decorations, lights and presents I wonder how many truly understood the REAL meaning behind the occasion. Many do not know the purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our dearly beloved Savior. I am so thankful for the gift of eternal life, that would not have been possible, if Jesus was not born. It all began with His birth, because without that glorious day, His death and resurrection could not have been possible. Throughout the year, but especially during Christmas, I am reminded of the greatest gift of all; Jesus himself.

Recently, at a CHRISTmas party I heard this passage and as I heard it read aloud, God touched my heart and I began to think I hope it blesses you as it blessed me. Please open your heart as you read and allow God to speak to you through this passage. Enjoy :)

God is calling us to something great. He has invited us to play a aprt in the amazing story that He is telling. How you response to His voice can change the world. He has placed an amazing responsibility on you. He awaits your response...

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.

The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race.

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.

God, the immaculate Virgin heard the message of your angel. She consented to receive your eternal Word and became filled with the light of the Holy Spirit. We ask that her example may make us humble obeyers of your will. God, open our ears to hear your desire. We accept the call. Amen and Amen!