“The disciples were with Jesus for a time of training to one day soon be sent out two by two, as Jesus said, to “do greater works” than He did.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 13, 2022
He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:14
I have a friend who seems to always be available for my phone call. An early 7:30 am question about a professional matter he picks up, a 7:30 pm concern about a personal matter, he picks up. David’s availability to be with him in conversation, makes me feel like I am worth a few minutes of his time. The one out of ten times he is unable to talk, within a few hours he calls me back, with a “What’s up?” Because of his generosity of availability, I’m intentional to be clear and concise with my question, and to make sure to check on how he is doing. Five to ten minutes later we are done, and as we hang up, I’m grateful for a friend who shows he cares by being there.
Jesus modeled the way of availability with those He had called to be with Him to carry out His mission of living out and proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is now. But only after Jesus departed from them did they truly understand the necessity of the Lord’s availability to show them and teach them the ways of God’s love. The disciples were with Jesus for a time of training to one day soon be sent out two by two, as Jesus said, to “do greater works” than He did. But at times, Jesus wisely made Himself unavailable in prayer, so when available—He was all there for them.
“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23).
Who needs your availability? Someone who knows when she needs something you will pick up the phone, and by your generous act of availability will say, “You are important, I love you, you matter so much to me.” Being available requires prayerful planning and mature faith. Have a spirit-led management of your calendar, so people who know you—know they have access to you. Not to be made to feel like they are bothering you, but affirmed to know you genuinely and joyfully want them to know you care. Access to engaged love and wisdom refreshes parched, unsure hearts.
Most of all, make sure you have times of unavailability, so after you have invested in prayer you are all there. Experiencing the availability of Almighty God gives you the confidence that He, the all-knowing One, will save you time by guiding you toward essential people and activities. The Holy Spirit will also multiply your time like Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves to feed the multitudes. A life of adventurous faith brings energy and purpose to a world hungry for love. Be available with love and wisdom—so the lives you invest in may one day do more than you.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you and thank you for always being available for comfort, forgiveness and wisdom, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Consider blocking off one day a week with no appointments, so you are available for those who have something unexpected come up in their life.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 28:1-8; Isaiah 6:8; Mark 1:17-18; 1 Peter 3:15
Worship Resource
Keith & Kristyn Getty: The Power of the Cross
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