“Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: ……Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:2-5a, 7-8 (NLT)
A privilege in itself is special. It is defined as; “a special right, favor, etc. granted to some person or group.” Twelve unsuspecting ordinary men had the right and favor granted to them to be called one of Jesus’s apostles. Together as a group they had the privilege of being part of the biggest movement in the history of the world, the ushering of the Kingdom of God. Who were these men and what were their credentials that Jesus recognized them as being worthy to be part of His team? Their credentials were they were simply ordinary men. We may refer to them today, as ordinary Joe or an average Joe. Nothing spectacular stands out among the average. They mix in unnoticeably within society as one among the millions in the world. Yet, as Christians we understand that there is no one with higher credentials to serve the Lord as the one He chooses.
Examine the lives of each of the apostles. How much do we know about them? Scripture tells us Peter, Andrew, James and John were fisherman. Matthew was a tax collector. Thomas is known for his doubting, and Judas Iscariot most noted for his betrayal of Jesus. We are able to gather some information as to birth place and character of the other apostles, Philip, Bartholomew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the zealot, and Thaddaeus, but how much do we know about them. The point being that all these men were just plain old ordinary men in the eyes of the world, but to Jesus who called them they were extraordinary in their service to Him through the authority He gave them. (Mt. 10:1)
Our Lord is looking for ordinary Joes and Janes today to continue the work the apostles started two thousand years ago. If you are a true believer in the Lord Jesus then you are called for a special purpose, a purpose and work only you are called to do. You made not heal the sick, cast out demons, or raise the dead, but you are able to work the works of Him who called you. It is a special privilege.
Word for the Soul 