Calls those who he wanted up to the hills with him- how exactly did this work- I presume he told them before he went up- they still would have all been by the lake after the crowds had gone. Where the numbers following him and travelling with him getting to large? Was this a pragmatic thing forced by circumstances- and Jesus picks 12 because that's about the right number and happens to fit in with the tribes- or was this part of a long thought through plan? Perhaps the first reason that is given shows the necessity clearest- “so that they might be with him”- then sent to proclaim and have authority to drive out demons.
Somehow that is still just as much a necessity (in a different sense to the last usage). I have to be “with him”. Different to the disciples in that there is no physical person to go about with- but through both the written 'word' of the scripture and the Holy Spirit residing within- have to follow in his footsteps closely- seek to know and emulate- seek out his thinking on matters- and apply it.
Just reading a bit from Hybels book Who are you when no-ones looking about the need for discipline- The disciples had little choice about being with him- after being chosen and accepting this- they were living closely (though the withness between them varied- and some were priveleged to be get a fuller window into this 'withness' – Peter, James and John getting to see the transfiguration)- but we have to make time for it- like Jesus did with the Father- early mornings off to deserted places- I only do what I see the Father doing- to come out with statements like that- means a lot of time seeking to know him and his purposes- and becoming adept at tuning into the Spirit.
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