Before Dallas Jenkins gave us The Chosen, I never really paid much attention to the Apostles. I knew Christ selected twelve men for very specific tasks within His ministry. Even Judas was chosen for the very reason of betrayal. While that offends most Christians, the reality is without his betrayal, there would be no redemption.
Who are the Apostles? They were more than just followers of Christ. The Apostles were the pioneering leaders of the New Testament, and yet not one of the Chosen was a scholar or rabbi. These were ordinary men of their time, yet Christ chose them for a mission that continues – to spread the Good News, to fan the flames of faith so that it burns brightly even now.
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser, or the Just. Much of what we know about these men, and for that matter, any of the early followers, is woven in a tapestry of oral tradition, some fact, some speculation and legend. What we do know from Scripture is that shortly after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, on His way from Judea to Galilee, Christ met Philip. Time and time again, when it comes to the Apostles, Jesus extends an invitation to follow Him, and they do. Without hesitation. For Philip it was no different. Not only did he obey, in his zeal he sought to win Nathaniel over, saying “We have found Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth.” Nathaniel wondered aloud “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” Philips answer was simple, “Come and see.” As we are all invited to come and see.
James the Lesser was the son of Alpheus, brother of Jude and a cousin of Our Lord. When the Apostles were dispersed to the nations to bring the Good News, James remained behind. He became the Bishop of Jerusalem and governed the early church for 30 yeas before his martyrdom.
The more closely we walk in faith, the greater the sacrifices of this world are asked of us. It saddens me to see how many mega churches base their teachings on God’s love as giving us an abundant life here on earth, and confusing abundance with material possessions. I’ve heard from some of my Born Again friends “God loves me. He wants me to be happy.” Yes, but happiness cannot be bought. Happiness is not the house you live in or the car you drive or your station in life. All these things fall away eventually. Happiness comes from within, not from without.
The most amazing thing about the Apostles, the Chosen, is that they are just people. What separated them from others is that they said yes. And that’s all it takes. The courage to say yes.
Shrimp Scampi with Scampi Butter
Scampi Butter
8 tablespoons Butter, room temperature
3 Garlic Cloves
1 Green Onion
2 tablespoons Parsley Flakes
1 Lemon
Let butter soften to room temperature. Peel garlic, set aside. Dice green onion, set aside.
Place softened butter in a shallow bowl. Press garlic cloves over the butter, add green onion. With a fork, mash together. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Heat a small saucepan over very low heat. Melt garlic putter n the pan. Add parsley flakes. Zest lemon into the melting butter. Cut lemon in half, juice half the lemon into the butter. Stir to blend, heat through. Keep warm. When ready to serve, transfer scampi butter into individual bowls and serve with shrimp as a dipping sauce.
Shrimp Scampi
2 lbs (16-20 count) Shrimp
6 Garlic Cloves
1/2 cup Butter
1/4 cup White Wine
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 tablespoons Parsley Flakes
2 teaspoons Flour
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste
Rinse, peel and devein shrimp under cold water. Leave tails intact. Dry shrimp on paper towels. Peel garlic cloves, set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil to the skillet. When the butter has melted, press garlic into the butter. Add parsley. Sauté for about 90 seconds. DO NOT allow garlic to brown.
Add wine, then shrimp. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until shrimp is a beautiful ping, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes.
Transfer shrimp to a warm serving platter, tent to keep warm.
Add flour to thicken the sauce, cook over low heat for about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice, cook an additional 90 seconds. Season with salt and pepper. Pour scampi sauce over shrimp, serve with warm scampi butter.
For a light spring supper, serve scampi with warm bread and a simple salad. A glass of wine, cold and crisp, is also a nice touch.
Their message goes out through all the earth.
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