Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Dynamic Disciple Adventure

DYNAMIC DISCIPLE ADVENTURE

Matthew 10:24-42

Vv. 32-34: “Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before the Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

“Hold the ball, Brad, that’s your only job!” Jeremy scowled at his 5th-grade classmate. Kicking a field goal as far as one can is a fun competition during school recess. Jeremy wanted to win. Five of their classmates watched from the sidelines.

There are different kinds of people. Some live as spectators (SPEK-ta-tors mean watchers), while others engage life actively in varying degrees. But what is common to all is understanding what their jobs are with assigned tasks.

Since Jesus followers (disciples, believers) are given the free gift of salvation, everyone wonders what is his or her job? Jesus already accomplished the “heavy lifting” of living a perfect life, and dying on the cross. His shed blood was necessary for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation (rek-on-SIL-i-a-shon means reunion) to the Father—that believers enjoy.

We cannot add to this solved equation. But we do have a job. Our job is to simply believe. Then, believers have to make a choice: will we actively follow Jesus, or watch from the sidelines? Some people prefer coasting through life with little fuss. They choose to sit in a pew on Sunday, listen to the sermon, and return home for “free” time. Others prefer the great adventure of discipleship.

Jesus’ disciples probably wondered what He meant about the sword. They were just given the task of preaching “the kingdom of heaven is near”, healing the sick, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons (Matthew 10:5-31). Aren’t you glad that your job is to simply believe? Hold on.

The opening Scripture does not argue Isaiah 9:6 or Luke 2:14 where Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace” and “Who brings peace” to those who love Him. Jesus did come to bring peace between believers and God, and peace among men. But the expected conflict comes between Christ and the antichrist (anyone who defies Christ). Light and darkness, God’s children and the devil’s children, and even members of the same family remain in constant battle.

Take Home Nugget

Verse 38: “and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” continues to rouse watching believers into the adventure of self-denial, sacrifice, and suffering—dynamic discipleship!

Prayer: Holy Father, forgive my selfishness. Energize me to dynamic discipleship for following Jesus as someone who believes wholeheartedly. AMEN.

J.D. Griffith




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