A Change is Coming (Topic The Mountain)

Scripture:Luke 6:12-16 reads Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Phillip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zeolot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

Back Ground and Context

The Gospel according to Luke is the 3rd Gospel written in the Bible. The author, Luke is the only Gentile to pen any books of scripture. According to Luke 1:1, Luke who was a physician by profession thought it essential to outline accurately the reports of those eyewitnesses (since he himself was not a direct witness) who walked with Jesus as he wrote to his friend Theophilus. Luke 1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught...

According to some bible scholars and as outlined in Luke 1-2, Luke is the only Gospel writer to fully paint a clear picture of the nativity and report the unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of Jesus Birth, the manger, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25–38) “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own…”

It is clear that Luke’s writing are for all people. Jesus is the Son of Man and the Savior of all.

Chapter 3 Outlines the beginning of John the Baptist ministry, his purpose (to preach a baptism of repentance as he prepared the way for our Lord) and the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Note# when Jesus was baptized He was also praying and then the heavens opened up; adding to the importance of prayer in all things).

Chapter 4 begins with Jesus being lead by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days by the devil. It is in chapter 4 that Jesus begins His ministry and begins to cast out demons and perform healings. Jesus formally announces His messiahship!

In Chapter 5 Jesus calls His first disciples and demonstrates to the masses that He has the power to forgive sins and heal us all at the same time (Jesus heals a paralytic).

Chapter 6 opens with the Pharisees attempting to accuse Jesus of wrong doing on the Sabbath. Jesus heals a man with a withered hand.

Revelation Of Scripture (Main Idea) And now we see our key scripture. Jesus selection of the 12 Apostles.

First, Jesus went out to the Mountain:

The term Mountain is mentioned more than 500 times in scripture. Mountains are said to symbolize a closer connection to God who dwells in the heavens. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in scripture. The proverbial mountain experience creates a deeper closeness with our Creator.

It was on Mount Moriah that God told Abraham to prepare to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:14). It was on Mount Sinai that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments(Exodus 20) and it was on the mountain that we see the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:1-9).

In all of these examples, we see a Surrendered Heart Posture. Before we can go to the Mountain with God we must first be willing to surrender our desires for Gods perfect will. A heart posture that is surrendered positions us to clearly accept and hear from God. 1 Peter 5:6–7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Jeremiah 10:23 “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”

Psalm 9:10 “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

Second, Jesus went out to the Mountain to PRAY and continued all night in prayer. Prayer is the most important tool that we have! Prayer is direct communication with God. Prayer opens the door for revelation, peace,dependency on God, intimacy and instructions. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Third, we see Purpose when on the Mountain! And when it was day, He CALLED His disciples to Himself. When God calls us it is always for a Purpose. His calling aligns with His Word and His Perfect will for our lives. John 15:16 says “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Finally, there is Power when on the Mountain! And from them He chose 12 whom He also NAMED! There is Power when we know and embrace who we are as sons and daughters of God! When we know our true identity in Christ, we can confidently and boldly walk in Truth and Serve the Kingdom! Ephesians 6:19 “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”

Jesus understood the significance of His time here on earth. He was sent to fulfill an assignment that because of the fall of man, He would pay the price for our sins, die a sinners death and redeem us to live a life of Victory. Jesus created the Road map for our success in the Word of God.

We are always to Pray! For through Prayer we receive Purpose and Power!