Everything you wanted to know about Christianity at the Anglican Parish of the Otways Please join me each week for our reflections of sermons conducted during our church service. Plus, occasional splashes of humour and epiphanies! With much Love and Blessings Rev. Jenny Brandon |
![]() To be admitted to a position of leadership in any organisation today entails the candidate to undergo various interviews and checks. Today we read of the appointment of the twelve who were to become Jesus closest disciples, but who were these men and what qualifications did they have? Simon Peter was given to fits of temper. Andrew had no qualities of leadership. He was just a follower. The two brothers James and John were hot-headed were interested in their own advancement. Thomas is well known for his questioning attitude. Matthew was a tax collector, people renowned for their ill treatment of others and cheating. James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus had radical leanings, and Judas betrayed Jesus. When we look at those first apostles, they are a great deal more like us than we usually imagine. We can look at these men, and the many other men and women who were disciples of Jesus and find that we are not much different from them. Try identifying with one of the twelve. Which one are you most like?
You see discipleship refers to the process of how Christians are equipped and transformed for this life and battle, to be light in a dark world to those still held in the clutch of the prince of darkness. If God could transform the lives of those first disciples, he can transform ours as well. That is the overwhelming passionate story of Jesus’ ministry. Our call is to be what Jesus wants to make us, where ever we happen to be. The Apostle John for example, was called one of the Sons of Thunder, most likely because of his fiery temper. ON one occasion he and his brother James wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven to consume a Samaritan village that had disrespected Jesus. (Luke 9:51-55) But as his own heart was transformed to learn how to love with God’s love, he actually went to those same Samaritans with the Gospel (Acts 8:14-17).
We too are chosen by God to be labourers in the harvest. And although the harvest is immense and we may feel unqualified and ill quipped, there is no need to be discouraged. It is when we allow the Spirit of God to transform us that we find the ability to do exactly what God calls us to do.
The Lord be with you. With Blessings Rev Jenny
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About the author
Rev. Jenny is an ordained Priest of the Anglican Diocese delivering services at Anglican Parish of the Otway churches every week. With great depth of knowledge and a spiritual practice that shows she walks her talk and has taken her to the far reaches of N.T. Australia working with indigenous youth and elders.
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