URC Daily Devotion 25 January 2024

St Mark 3: 13 – 19

He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message,  and to have authority to cast out demons.  So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);  James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);  and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean,  and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Reflection

In today’s reading, we hear about Jesus calling twelve ordinary people to become disciples. They were then sent out by Jesus to spread the word. When have you ever been invited to something and then afterwards went out and told others about it? 

Earlier in 2023, I was lucky enough to have been invited to represent the URC on a trip with Christian Aid to Israel and The Occupied Palestinian Territories. Throughout the whole trip we were encouraged to go and see, come and tell.  Whilst away for the eight days, the thing that struck me was the incredible hospitality from the Palestinians.  Amidst the uncertainty and tension that they were experiencing, they embraced us with a warm welcome, some fantastic food, and great conversations. 

Following landing back at Heathrow, I now want to go and tell.  Often the media speaks negatively about Palestinians and I wanted to play a small part in changing this narrative by going out to speak at churches, commenting on social media, and by attending events. Just like Jesus’ disciples were told to do, this was my way of doing something similar.

In your day to day life, what do you experience or see that you want to change? What small or big difference can you make by, just like the disciples, sharing your experience and spreading love, understanding, and the message of Christ in the world around you?

Prayer

Lord, 
we ask for your guidance and strength as we seek to share these experiences with others. Help us to be messengers of peace, love, and understanding, just as your disciples were. May our words and actions make a positive difference in the world.  Amen