My Epic Journey

After responding to a question from one of my AMAZING youth leaders, I thought I would post this:

I believe that most all, with the exception of Peter, were disciples or young men.  Here is my reasoning:

1.  Only Peter is mentioned as being married (which the average Jewish man was given a wife at around 18 years of age).

2.  Peter we assume was older since he often took leadership roles among the 12.

3.  The other disciples, when called, said they had to go tell their parents what they were doing.

4.  Most Jewish men didn’t have a “real” job until they were 21.  In the meantime, they were in apprentice positions.

5. Exodus 30.14-15 states that every male over 20 years old is to pay a temple tax when visiting.  In Matthew 17.24-27 Peter “fishes” for the temply tax–enough for two, he and Jesus.  I believe this points to the others age as being too young to pay.

6.  Jesus also uses the term “little ones” in referring to His disciples. (Matthew 11.25, Luke 10.21 and John 13.33)

7.  And the last reason I believe they were teens was their constant asking of questions, bickering and having to have things explained over and over again.

To me, this is why I am in youth ministry.  If Jesus can use 11 teenagers to change the world then most certainly He can us 100 students to change Delaware County!!!

There is a passage I came across today in my reading that really stuck out at me.  David writes in Psalm 62.11-12,

“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard:  that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.  Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.”

This passage grabbed me in two ways.

1. When God speaks, I MUST listen.  And not just passively listen, but to listen with the intent and hope of gleaming great truths of who God is.
2. God is both strong and loving and both of these attributes play out when God is reward according to our works.

The questions that I have pondered since reading this are:

• Is God pleased with what I have done through Him recently?
• Is my reward going to be sweet or sour?
• Am I willing to patiently wait for the reward of the Lord?

As we continue in our EPIC series, Storm Watch, I am amazed by how many of my students and their families are going through unbelievable trial and storms at this time.  To me, this verse brings me GREAT comfort–God is both strong and loving and there is a promise, either good or bad, of a reward according to our works.