If two are better than one, then seven are better than two, and twelve are definitely better than seven. I’m sure we have all heard of the first phrase before, and the truth is that there really is strength in numbers. An trained army can go much farther than a lone soldier. This is discipleship.

“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4 (NIV)

The above verses are an example of the benefits a leader can obtain once he has formed a strong team of disciples. A leader who tries to do everything on his own accomplishes nothing but failure. The strength of one person may be plentiful, but when faced with a task suitable for a team it is simply not enough.

We can also see an example of discipleship in the time of Moses:

“You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” Exodus 18:18-23 (NIV)

Moses was burning himself out trying to do everything on his own. However, after receiving advice from his father in law (Jethro), Moses ended up doing exactly what had been recommended and it was a success.

The key principle of discipleship is the reproduction of yourself in another. Notice how Jethro told Moses to look for capable men. Men who feared God, were trustworthy, and hated dishonest gain. These were qualities that were found in Moses. In other words, Jethro was telling Moses to look for people who shared his virtues. These were the men that had followed in the footsteps of Moses, men who became like him.

Imagine 12 disciples burning with the same passion as you are to establish the kingdom of God on earth. Imagine those 12 disciples forming 12 each with the same passion and character as you. They form into 144 disciples. Imagine those 144 doing the same, they are now 1,728.

OK, enough with the math. But you see, the possibilities are limitless. Entire nations can be won for Christ through a good model of discipleship.  So don’t go at it alone! If you have a fire with in your heart to do the things of God, then set someone else’s heart on fire too.

Filed under: Devotionals, Reflections, Winning Souls by Jose Palacios