From the first time my eldest son read about the calling of the twelve disciples, he was hooked. My son loves the disciples, which may be no surprise since he shares a name with one of the disciples, Andrew. Andrew’s love of the disciples led me to pick up a book at a thrift store. The book was Twelve Ordinary Men by: John MacArthur. After reading the book, I am excited about the name my husband and I chose for our son. Andrew is an admirable name for our five year old to grow into. The book highlighted the fact that Andrew was always bringing people to meet Jesus. When Jesus and his disciples were faced with a crowd numbering over 5,000, Andrew brought the boy and his lunch to Jesus. Andrew also brought his own brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. I am beginning to pray that my Andrew will follow the Apostle Andrew’s footsteps by bringing others to Jesus.
The most important lesson that I will take from Mr. MacArthur’s book is the fact that Jesus used ordinary people to continue his ministry on the earth. The Bible tells us, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakeness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, and in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11 NIV)” Jesus used the weaknesses of these common men to achieve his purposes. Eleven of these men would carry the Lord’s gospel around the world, establishing the Christian church. These men would eventually give their lives for their faith. I am encouraged that God can use me despite my sinful nature. I am grouchy, selfish, and ignorant but God wants to use me!
