These are the twelve He appointed

While looking at the book of Mark, chapter 3, verse 16, I read the words, "These are the twelve He appointed." It lists all the apostles Jesus picked. The twelve were chosen that they might be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach and teach. The last man listed is Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. How this must have saddened Jesus!

Think about Judas. He had seen Jesus, but didn't know Him as Master; He heard Jesus, heard Him preach and teach, but didn't understand Him. He also had "religion", but didn't have a real relationship.

Max Lucado, my favorite writer, writes in one of his books, "Judas never knew the heart of Christ." I add, "He pretended to be a follower, but instead became a betrayer. He chose to be used by Satan!" Read the many verses in the Bible of Judas' life: Matthew 10:14, 26:14-56 and also other verses in John, Luke, and Acts. Judas ended his life by suicide. What a waste! He was chosen by Christ to be His disciple to serve Him, but instead allowed Satan to rule!

Have you given your heart - your life - to Christ? John 3:16 tells just how much He loves you. Has He chosen you to tell others about your salvation, about His death on the cross for you? Please be sure you have a true relationship with Jesus - John 1:12 - not just a religion.

Our prayer should be, "Lord help me to have a deeper, truer relationship with You. Help me to be a witness to others as You use me to serve You by teaching others the gospel."

My next Victory Call will be thoughts on prayer and winning others to Christ. What a joyous privilege I've had in this!

Dottie