Called, Chosen, and Commissioned
Morning: Numbers 1-2
Evening: Mark 3:1-21
In Numbers 1-2, God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelites, organizing them by tribe for battle and service. Each man was counted and given a specific place in the camp, reflecting God’s order and intentionality. No one was overlooked; every person had a role to fulfill in God’s plan. This passage reminds us that God is a God of purpose—He calls His people, equips them, and places them where they are needed.
In Mark 3, we see Jesus doing something similar: calling and commissioning His twelve disciples. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach” (Mark 3:14). Just as God assigned roles in the Old Testament, Jesus calls His followers with a purpose—to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to share His message with the world.
Both passages reveal an essential truth: God not only calls us but also prepares us for His work. Whether we are being positioned for battle like the Israelites or trained for ministry like the disciples, our lives have divine purpose. When God calls, He equips, and when He sends, He strengthens.
Key Insights
- God Calls and Organizes with Purpose – The census in Numbers shows that God is intentional in His plans, ensuring that every person has a role (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Jesus Calls Us First to Be with Him – Before sending the disciples out, Jesus ordained them to be with Him. Our first calling is relationship, not just service (John 15:5).
- We Are Equipped for Our Calling – Just as each tribe was equipped for battle, Jesus equips His followers to share the Gospel with boldness and power (2 Timothy 3:17).
- Following Jesus Requires Commitment – Many misunderstood Jesus, even His own family. Yet, He remained focused on His mission, teaching us to persevere in faith (Luke 9:62).
- God Sees and Counts Every Person – No one in Israel was overlooked, and no disciple was called by accident. Likewise, God sees you, knows you, and has a purpose for your life (Isaiah 43:1).
Connection to Other Scripture
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
- John 15:5 – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
- 2 Timothy 3:17 – “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
- Luke 9:62 – “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
- Isaiah 43:1 – “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”
Questions to Reflect On
- Do I recognize that God has a specific purpose for my life?
- Am I prioritizing being with Jesus before doing for Jesus?
- How can I step more boldly into the calling God has placed on my life?
- When I face misunderstanding or opposition, do I remain faithful to my mission?
- In what ways can I trust that God is equipping me for His work today?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me by name and giving me a purpose in Your kingdom. Help me to trust that You have placed me where I need to be and that You are equipping me for every good work. Teach me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else, knowing that I can do nothing apart from You. When challenges arise, strengthen my faith and help me to walk boldly in my calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.