Misfits

Imagine if Jesus hired a modern management company to evaluate His choices for apostles. Tim Hansel, in his book Eating Problems for Breakfast, does just that. Following is part of a letter that Hansel imagines Jesus receiving:

“Dear Sir:

“Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization…It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.

“Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel that it is our duty to tell you that Matthew had been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.

“One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious, and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.

“We wish you every success in your new venture. Sincerely, Jordan Management Consultants.”

While his choices didn’t make much human sense, Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. He took that rag-tag bunch of misfits and used them to change the world. Remember that the next time you think that the Lord could never use you to make a difference in the world around you. God specializes in using unlikely people to do uncommon things. Why would you be the exception?

God loves you!

Mike

*Tim Hansel, Eating Problems for Breakfast, Word Publishing, 1988, pp. 194-195.