Twelve very dfferent men become the agents for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

     Let's first put aside our notions that the disciples were dignified men who walked slowly about in long robes.  They were, in fact, an unlikely crew hand-picked by our Lord for spiritual qualities hidden from human assessment. They were men of action whom Jesus had to correct and corral.  In their true tales, we see regular men who become heroes when charged by Holy Spirit power.
   First, let's examine the necessary corrections.  Jesus nicknamed James and John the "Sons of Thunder."  There was one little incident in which they wanted to call down fire from heaven on a town that received Jesus less than warmly.  Later, the impetuous John would write the letters bearing his name in which he holds love supreme.  I supposed he learned his lesson about wanting to zap people. Years of exile on an island will change a man.  (Mark 3:17)

    Other less than shining moment were when James and John had their mother approach Jesus with requests for sitting on thrones next to Him in heaven.  All the disciples joined the discussion about who would be greatest in heaven.

    Peter surely must have been a contender for high marks.  Must of the dialogue between the Lord and the twelve shows Peter voicing opinions for everyone.  He enthusiastically claimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God.  Jesus replied that only God could have revealed this to him.  This was a happy forestaste of all that Peter would experience--walking briefly on water, seeing the Patriarchs on the mount of Transfiguration.  But then he would present regrettable cowardice at Jesus' death.  That's how inconsistant humans can be.  Only a good dose of trials toughen us up to the point where we will share the gospel regardless of recognition, pay, or even respect. The disciples reached that point.  They eventually gave their lives for this story, this Savior, who was preparing a new address in heaven for them. 

     I often wonder if Jesus sighed and wished he could re-pick the twelve.  Did Matthew, the former tax collector, propose charging listeners by the head?  Did the fishermen in the group miss the water and long for a men's fishing fellowship?  Who took care of the men's wives and children while they were wandering about the countryside seeing marvelous things?  Did this strain their marriages?  Scripture doesn't tell us all the detail.  But we can be sure that Jesus purposely chose these guys, knowing the flaws. 

     These twelve learned, as do any church folks who get together for ministry, is that the call of Christ does not immediately open up to glory.  It's a call to suffer and serve.  Trials bring about that proven character that ultimately leads to heaven's perfection. 

     In welding together people to serve side by side on church committees, we often see personality struggles.  New believers learn that they can function even when people hurt their feelings. Experienced believers find that everyone doesn't have to do things their way. Sometimes, people leave their ministry posts.  They didn't think it would be so hard or costly.  They thought they would make a lot of money and obtain respect.  They certainly didn't expect their lives would become everyone's business. 

     Like the disciples on the road together, ministers find that their lives are open books.  The same for deacons, women's leaders, Sunday school directors.  We suddenly have to rub shoulders all the time with the people whom we serve.  Therefore, we have to like them.  They get close enough to challenge our inconsistencies.  God polishes out our selfishness. 

     If the disciples became the apostles, wrote the New Testament, and organized the church and evangelized the ancient world, there is no telling what Jesus can do with us.