“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16
How do you spend your nights? Sleeping, resting, partying? Jesus spent this night praying—apparently, all night. He went out alone to a mountainside, specifically with the intention to pray: that is, to be with and talk to God. This is what Jesus did frequently.
When morning came—meaning he had prayed all night—he made a big decision. God was in on the decision with him as Jesus prayed and talked to his Father.
The decision he made was who would be his disciples. Jewish rabbis had disciples—primarily men, I am assuming—who followed them by learning their teachings, taking up their habits and causes, and imitating their behavior. Jesus selected the twelve mentioned: two Simons, two Jameses, two Judases, Philip, Andrew, Bartholomew, Matthew, John, and Thomas. We know and read about many of these men in Scripture—the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Jesus made a major decision only after he prayed. He did the same in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed, met with God, and made a decision that would keep him in the middle of God’s will for him as he sought to redeem humanity.
Now, I have been accused of making decisions too quickly. And I often joke that if I make a bad decision quickly, I can make a good one just as fast! But seriously, this was Jesus’ M.O. It was his method for making decisions, and it’s a good one—one in which we should engage all the more.
Whatever is pressing upon you, pray about it. Take time to wrestle in prayer with God over it until you hear his clear and present plan. He will be clear to guide you each step of the way if you come to him with the need.
God did it for Jesus—why not you?
“O Lord, today is your day, the sabbath, a Sunday in which to give you praise. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your power and grace to save us. I thank you, Lord, for your commitment to care for your people and to guide us as we pray to you. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your grace. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen