Called Up the Mountain
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15)
Mark’s gospel reflects Peter’s influence, with most believing Mark wrote the account as it fell from Peter’s own lips. One must wonder if Christ’s ascension colors their understanding of Jesus’ earthly ministry, for here is a clear example. Whereas we see Jesus ascend the mountain to call men as apostles, so too in the Ascension does Jesus continue to call men to Himself to do the same tasks (Eph. 4:10-12). What are those tasks?
One, we should “be with Him.” That doesn’t sound complicated, does it? And yet, how hard it is! We can always find an excuse – too busy, too tired, too much going on. Somehow, we can always push Jesus lower and lower down the totem pole. However, Paul always found time for Christ in the midst of one of the busiest schedules recorded in Scripture. Jesus desired to be with us so much that it killed Him. Being with Him may require less sleep, less sports, and more sacrifice. Remember, what is worth nothing costs nothing, but Jesus is worth everything.
Two, we should “preach.” For the pastor in the pulpit, his first calling is to preach Christ. Yes, he should be able to manage a meeting. Yes, he should visit often. Yes, yes, and yes! But his first priority is to preach Christ. Preaching is the ordinary way in which Christ is brought to the lost soul. But even beyond the pulpit, the pew should be speaking of Christ often. When Saul killed Stephen and believers fled throughout the Mediterranean, what did they do along the way? They spoke of Christ! The Christ continually in our hearts should continually be on our lips.
And three, we should “cast out demons.” Before our minds go to the 1973 classic The Exorcist, let me remind us that the devil works in a multitude of ways – enslaving and ensnaring men in sin and temptation. We are called to oppose every work of the devil. As J.C. Ryle reminds us: “Every age has its own peculiar temptations. Many are the devices of Satan. But whatever be the direction in which the devil is most busy, there ought we to be, ready to confront and withstand him.” Every stand against sin is a stand against Satan’s kingdom and an advancement of the kingdom of grace.
Christ has called us to Himself – not to lollygag, but to serve. As long as we have Christ with us and for us, we should too stand with Him and for Him. Are we?
