The Twelve Apostles
12-16At
about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all
night in prayer before God. The next day he summoned his disciples; from
them he selected twelve he designated as apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter,
Andrew, his brother,
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James, son of Alphaeus,
Simon, called the Zealot,
Judas, son of James,
Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
You're Blessed
17-21Coming
down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by
disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over
Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They
had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those
disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch
him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he
spoke:
You're blessed when you've lost it all.
God's kingdom is there for the finding.
You're blessed when you're ravenously hungry.
Then you're ready for the Messianic meal.
You're blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the morning.
22-23"Count
yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out,
every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it
means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person
is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if
you like!—for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven
applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and
witnesses have always been treated like this.
Give Away Your Life
24But it's trouble ahead if you think you have it made.
What you have is all you'll ever get.
25And it's trouble ahead if you're satisfied with yourself.
Your self will not satisfy you for long.
And it's trouble ahead if you think life's all fun and games.
There's suffering to be met, and you're going to meet it.
26"There's
trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying
what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are
not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by
your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.