Resumes of The Disciples

In his book, Eating Problems for Breakfast, Tim Hansel illustrates a satirical example of what the “consultants” might have said regarding the qualifications of the 12 disciples when it came time for their appointment to work for the Kingdom of God…

To: Jesus, Son of Joseph Woodcrafter's Carpenter Shop Nazareth 25922
From: Jordan Management Consultants

Dear Sir:
Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.

The profiles of all tests are included, and you will want to study each of them carefully.
As part of our service, we make some general comments for your guidance, much as an auditor will include some general statements. This is given as a result of staff consultation and comes without any additional fee.

It is the staff’s 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

Aren’t you glad Jesus defied the “ideas” of the world when it came to selecting the twelve men who would change the world. And aren’t you glad He still does. If you have ever thought that God could not use you, just remember the first twelve… no hiring agency would have recommended them, they didn’t have all the worldly qualifications, nor the social pedigrees of “Kingdom” work.  But they had something far better. They had the things that God looks for: passion, sacrifice, and availability. Two thousand years later, these are the things that God is still looking for, and it means that all of us can be useful disciples of Christ.  “…“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” (Acts 17:6). And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray


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