Denver Seminary

He appointed twelve that they might be with him
and that he might send them out... (Mark 3:14)

My daughter is making plans to complete her Master's degree in Jerusalem. She is excited for the opportunity to study theology, Hebrew, and Jewish history in the very places where Jesus lived and ministered. The two years, though, will end quickly. She will then pack up and return to the U.S. Christine’s call is not to stay as a student. The chapter of life set apart in study must and will lead to a role where she passes her experiences and learning on to others. The degree program is important but there is an end goal. For Christine it is a Ph.D. and a teaching faculty position.

The calling to come and then to go was modeled by Jesus. Twelve men were handpicked by Jesus to be His closest disciples. The first part of their calling was to come and be with Him. This was a time of training through the spoken word and through a modeled life.  The call was not though to merely remain with Jesus in an inward focused, fortressed, communal setting. Jesus called the disciples to be with Him and then to send them out.

This two-fold calling is ours as well. We are to be in relationship with Jesus in order to go out as mature, empowered ministers of grace and truth. Both are important. Both are required.