He called them ‘little children”, affectionately and with true description,
among all the sons of men, these were fortunate to be “the chosen”.
These disciples who followed, watched in amazement and wonder,
as Jesus of Nazareth taught, healed and called down spiritual lightning and thunder.
They left their families, their professions and their former way of living,
to become nomads; to be sustained by others and led by the One who was always giving.
They would tell their friends, neighbors and family to “come and see”,
they compelled others to follow, observe and listen to this incredible teacher from Galilee.
They wondered if their faith and efforts would be enough -
would they measure up or endure through times that would really be tough?
Perhaps there was constant pondering and questioning that what they were seeing was real,
they were out of their element, not sure what to expect, how to act, what to do, or how to feel.
They sought to protect him and save him from many troubles and human snares,
yet it was they who were continually rescued by Him from worldly sin and despair.
They were encouraged to see and think in new ways as they heeded the call,
they often struggled to understand and make sense of it all.
They had been taught and conditioned throughout their lives,
to judge others by outward appearance-to easily reject and to despise.
Now they had to put aside every pettiness, every selfish thought, all their worldly pride,
they had to think and act better, get used to different and see with eyes open wide.
To look inward and see good instead of flaws was not easy to do,
the law of Moses, the letter of the law was previously the most important thing to pursue.
They must now learn how to teach, to minister, to serve without second thought,
to act as one in harmony and unity and love as completely as the Savior taught.
Often they were like little children innocent from birth - it was as if they had to start anew,
as the first time they embraced Samaritans, Gentiles and many a devout Jew.
They were one way and then turned, going against the crowd,
they became fishers of men instead of fish and entreated all to join the kingdom of God.
It is written that “many are called, but few are chosen” -
these were special witnesses of the ministry of the Lamb of God as his covenant children.
April 2021
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