S – 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 6:12–13 CSB

O – Before Jesus chose the 12 disciples, He spent an entire night in prayer. Jesus had a large number of disciples and from those He picked 12 who were to be close to Him. These were specifically called apostles (apostolous) as opposed to the term disciples (mathētas). Disciples were followers, but apostles were those sent out as messengers with delegated authority

 John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 219.

A – When making a big decision, Jesus prayed.  This decision led to these men leaving behind their own plans to follow his plan. It changed their lives, their families and ultimately, them.  Jesus had many followers but these were the ambassadors of the gospel and early church.  As believers, we are called in the same way.  Not all are called to full time ministry.  Yet, our lives become a ministry for Him and grows in us.  We are the ambassadors of the gospel to others.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, True God.  Empower us today as you did your early disciples.  Help us to grow in our relationship with you so we can share the good news with others.  Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us today.