14th Apostles For several years, I worked with celebrities and famous individuals. Among other things, I saw that some of the issues associated with being well known are worth the price, while others are a huge burden. The vast majority of us will never become famous outside of our immediate circle of influence. A small percentage may become familiar to churches outside of their own, and a minute percentage may even achieve the modern day influence of a Joel Osteen or a Rick Warren. But 95% of us fall somewhere in the middle of everything, were like a 14th or a 15th apostle: serving God, but not well known. We love God and His Word and His people, but we wont become Peter, James or John. We wont be known across the world, we wont be mentioned in the Bible, but we will still make a difference. Acts 1:26 - And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Think about all of the others who followed and loved Christ and were simply referred to as disciples, followers, believers. They were right there walking closely with the Lord, taking part in Christs daily activities and we will never know their names. From the multitude of followers, Christ chose only 12 to be named apostles. Judas had betrayed Christ and now its time to choose his replacement - someone from all of Christs followers is about to be named as the 13th apostle. From all of the potential candidates, the choices are narrowed down to Joseph and Matthias. So many others were faithful and willing, but they werent even nominated. The lots are cast...and...Matthias is chosen, not Joseph. What if you were Joseph? How would you react? Bitter? Hurt? What if youre Josephs wife or his friends? Sometimes we think of people as somehow being super spiritual because theyre in the Bible, but they were just as human as we are. The Bible doesnt speak of Josephs reaction, but Ive wondered about the emotions or politics involved in such things. In Luke 10:1, Christ appoints 70 people and sends them out two by two. What He doesnt do, is give a list of who all of these people were. Im thankful that if I mess up as me, its much better than messing up as Peter. Peters faults and slips of the tongue are recorded for everyone to read about forever, while mine can be quietly corrected. Thank God for Pastors and the well known believers who answer the call, bear the burdens and solve the issues that accompany their positions. But for me, I like to be right at the edge. Not being named as an apostle, but staying close to Christ, keeping my heart right and doing what I can do. Not being the Pastor, but helping wherever I can in the church. Not being the guy but helping those in the upper ranks. The vast majority of what gets done in churches is accomplished by people with no fame. They plan and arrange and prepare - they come early and stay late - they give and pour themselves into ministries, quietly and faithfully serving. They teach Sunday School and work with children every week. They are the reason that the church is clean, the buses keep running, the lawn is trimmed, doors and walls are repaired, the song books are arranged, bulletins are printed, tables and chairs are set and on and on. The greatest prayer warriors and contributors to the cause of Christ will probably never be known publicly. To all of my 14th apostle friends, those working behind the scenes or just laboring faithfully: wherever you find yourself, just do what you can do - your labor is not in vain in the Lord - it does make a difference. Do whats right, stay true, and pass some great stories on to our children. You werent named as an apostle, but you were right there with them. You werent the Pastor, but you were a part of great things. You may not have built the church, but you attended it faithfully for decades. Pass along a good example, encouragement, victory and kindness. With or without the recognition, play your role and run your race: you do make a difference.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:48:12 +0000
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