Read Mark 3:16-19
Being Appointed!
These verses give the name of the 12 disciples that Jesus had picked and appointed for his work. Verse 14 actually defines what Jesus appointed them:
1. Jesus appointed them to be with him. To be with him wasn’t just referring to physical presence. It was referring to a lifestyle. They were followers of Jesus. As followers of Jesus they would be with him in order to learn all they could on what it meant to live a life with Christ and like Christ.
2. He appointed them to be equipped. Jesus wanted to train them and equip them so that they could go into the world to promote the gospel.
3. Jesus appointed them to preach the good news of Jesus with their words and with actions.
4. For Simon, James and John he appointed them a name.
– Simon was given the name Peter which means rock or stone. It was symbolic of the transformation God was seeing in Peter.
– To James and John, the sons of Zebedee, he gave the name “Boanerges” which means SONS OF THUNDER. This is a picture of their personality that was attractive in doing the Ministry Jesus was calling and equipping them for.
What name might Jesus give you that depicts a picture of your faith walk, or your transformation, or your spiritual qualities? For me, on a good day, I feel like he would give me the name “Barnabas” because it means “Sons of Encouragement.” I feel God uses me to help encourage others.
Now, on a bad day, he might give me the name “Narcissus,” which was the name of the boy who fell in love with his own reflection. I say that because on a bad day I can be self-absorbed.
What name depicts your faith walk, your transformation, your spiritual qualities? I’d love to know!
