The Disciples - Part 11

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13-19 ESV). In the listing of disciples, notice the name of Simon. He is called the Zealot. To understand who Simon was, you must understand a Zealot. Zealots were a group of anti-Roman activists. They hated the Romans, and refused to bow down to their rule. They were attempting to undermine Roman authority, and bring the Jewish people back to power. They were passionate about their cause, refusing to give in at any cost. They were very zealous in their work; hence the name Zealots. Which brings us back to Simon. This was a risky choice for a disciple. Being a Zealot, Simon would bring undue attention to the disciples by the Roman authorities. Simon was not a "safe" choice like a calmer, gentler disciple may have been. However, that should not surprise us. Jesus is known for picking the unlikely picks. Who would have picked one who was not gifted in speech to be Moses and lead the people out of Egypt, or a mere shepherd boy to be king David, or a persecutor of Christians to be the great servant Paul? In the mind of Christ, Simon was a perfect choice. He would bring the same "zeal" to the work of Christ as he had given to being a Zealot! Isn't it great that Christ chose what seem foolish to the world to do His great work? Doesn't it provide hope for you and me? Aren't you glad God looks for the potential in you and me, instead of our background? Simon was picked because of who He would become. So are you and I! That’s the beauty of grace. It is not who we are, or what we may bring to the task that causes God to choose. He chooses simply because of who he is. When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway—that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God. Our reaction ought to be one of thanksgiving. Are you thankful for God’s choice in your life? Thanksgiving results in obedience and obedience will bring peace. Try it!