Thursday, January 6
Why did Jesus pray all night?
Scripture: Genesis 11-12, Luke 6
Luke 6:12–13 During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. 13 When daylight came, he summoned his disciples, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:
Luke 6:46–47 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say? 47 I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them:”
Observation
Jesus spent all night in prayer. This was not His usual practice. Why did He do it? Because He was selecting His 12 apostles, the group to whom He would entrust His entire mission. It was that important—worthy of all-night prayer.
Application
Leadership matters. Leaders matter. Ministries rise and fall based on leadership. That’s why Jesus took all night to pray—He was choosing the leaders for His movement. Paul told us not to be hasty or quick in appointing someone as an elder or pastor (1 Timothy 5:22). Jesus certainly wasn’t. This is a crucial decision.
I’m in the process of helping a church secure a new lead pastor. I’m interviewing, checking references, meeting with the church and her leaders—but above all, I’m praying. Every day. I’m seeking God because I know that this decision will impact this church, the mission of Jesus and multitudes of people for years to come.
Selecting leaders for God’s mission is an endeavor worthy of earnest prayer!
Prayer: Lord, show us who You have chosen to lead this ministry. Help us not rely on our own wisdom, but to seek You and hear Your voice. We want Your choice.
PS: I also included Luke 6:46-47 above because it is another reference to the essence of discipleship: listen to Jesus, do what He says. (See yesterday’s blog.) We call Jesus “Lord” and that means that we listen to Him and do what He says. And when we do, we build on a sure foundation.
Listen to Jesus, do what He says!