Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Mark 3:13-14

“¹³Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him.¹⁴ He appointed twelve that they might be with Him.“

What an unspeakable privilege the twelve apostles were given. Before Jesus appointed them to do anything in active ministry, He called them aside and appointed them “that they might be with Him.” Imagine the honour of spending time in Jesus’ company for three straight years. Imagine waking up each morning in the same camp, overhearing Him in His morning prayer time, chatting over the fire as you warmed yourself, walking side by side between villages, sometimes talking and sometimes in companionable silence, listening to everything He taught, seeing every miracle He did with your own eyes, preparing meals together around the campfire at night, settling down for the night, and everything else in between.

The mission Jesus had to accomplish was immense, and He certainly needed a group around Him to partner with Him in that mission during His lifetime and also to continue the mission once He was gone. Yet, before they were there to be discipled, trained, mentored and sent out on mission, the twelve were there to be with Jesus. Just to be with Him.

Who can you “just be with” today? Who needs nothing more than your time and presence today? Your presence in companionship, whether in conversation or in silent company may be invaluable to someone today.

Lord, help me to be attentive to others. Help me to see when I can share Your love with someone simply by spending time with them and being present to them. Grant me selflessness in those moments, and enable me to offer my time and attention as a gift of Your love. Amen.