January 25

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. — Matt 10:5 BSB

Jesus chose twelve men and trained them to carry on His work after He left. He wants all His followers to be apostles, but we must first be disciples—learners—before we can be sent out. We aren’t ready to go out for Christ until He empowers us to overcome evil and do good. A wise rule for life is: “Make yourself good, and make others happy.” Some people try to make others good before they work on themselves, but we must begin by improving our own lives.

The apostles were called to help others in every way they could—to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Jesus gives us the power to do whatever He asks of us. He sent His disciples into dangerous situations, but they didn’t need to fear because they were following His direction. Sometimes, the only way to truly save our lives is by being willing to lose them for Christ.

“‘Tis man’s perdition to be safe,
When for the truth he ought to die.”