Summary
Highlights
Jesus spent an entire night, approximately 12 hours, in prayer before choosing his 12 apostles. This intense period of prayer indicates the profound spiritual deliberation and importance placed on this decision.
The speaker challenges the notion that Jesus chose apostles randomly or based on immediate encounters. He humorously points out the apparent flaws in Peter, James, John, and even Judas Iscariot, who was a thief. This raises a critical question about the criteria for Jesus's selection.
The sermon suggests that Jesus's 12-hour prayer was not about finding the 'supermen' of Israel. Instead, it was a profound submission of his will to the Father's, seeking guidance to not choose apostles based on worldly standards of success or power. This prayer allowed him to choose ordinary people, knowing God would equip them.
By choosing ordinary individuals, Jesus demonstrates that God gives a chance to everyone, not just the highly educated or outwardly impressive. This provides hope and encouragement, affirming that even those who feel inadequate can be chosen and transformed by God.
The speaker shares his personal testimony of feeling like a 'zero' due to educational setbacks in his youth. He explains that when he, a 'zero,' responded to Jesus's call, he discovered that Jesus is the 'number one.' United with Christ, a 'zero' becomes immensely valuable, illustrating God's ability to transform the seemingly worthless into something precious.
The speaker emphasizes seeking God's honor above human praise or titles. He recounts declining an honorary doctorate, stating his immunity to man's praise and criticism has enabled him to endure in ministry. His ultimate goal is to 'plunder hell and populate heaven.'
The preacher expresses his desire to die with a microphone in hand, actively serving God. He shares a vision of being preaching to a million people in Africa when taken by the 'sweet chariot,' intending to 'throw' his microphone for someone else to catch, signifying the passing of the torch in ministry.
Recalling a moment with a dying old man, the speaker reveals his own wish: to pray for 'one more crusade' at the end of his life, to 'hit the bull's-eye one more time.' This passionate desire underscores his unwavering commitment to his calling and God's work.