Following Jesus Pt. IV

#Discipleship #BasicsOfFaith #Christianity #ChristAlone

Following after the only begotten Son of God will lead to places and circumstances that may not be experienced otherwise. There is something that continues as the awe-inspiring effect emanating from the Gospel as read the Scriptures. The awe-inspiring effect is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit as the empowerment to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The incredible nature of the salvation offered by Jesus is the power of God to use broken human beings to accomplish daunting tasks.

The path to accomplishing some excellent work for the kingdom of God is one that does not match with the natural course of the world. Jesus is commissioning the twelve to go and proclaim the Gospel of salvation through the Son of God, and Jesus gives them instruction, but then he also makes known to them the reality of being a Christian. Here is the word of the Risen Christ:

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” (Matthew 10:16-25, ESV)

Upon reading this section of the Scriptures, Jesus presents some very unpopular truths today. How do these verses impact the invitation to follow after Jesus Christ? Here are a few thoughts about following Jesus in light of the verses quoted above:

1. Following Jesus Christ is a daring calling. Jesus does not hold back on the idea of being sent as “sheep” amid “wolves.” Here the images are simple and powerful. Sheep are herd animals that are prone to multiple dangers, among them, being lost, overly curious, and unaware of the threat until it is unavoidable. Wolves are cunning, stealthy, fast, and perceptive of weaknesses in their prey. Jesus is telling the disciples that they will face danger and life-threatening circumstances as part of their calling.

2. Following Jesus requires a unique surrender. Today persecution is alive, and well, all you have to do is search for how in Middle-Eastern and Eastern countries Bible-believing Christians are facing difficult issues, death being an option as times. Jesus does not hide it from the Disciples that following him and representing him will have to give an account before authorities because of His name. Even though this, we are to bear witness before them about the Lord Jesus Christ (The perfect sacrifice).

3. Following Jesus means receiving comfort by the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit speaking through the disciples to give an account of the Gospel, while they are in the crucible of life as a disciple. However, if the Holy Spirit provides utterance, then the disciple is also in a relationship with God that peace and comfort will be given as they walk by faith. For this example, I point you to Stephen’s address and martyrdom narrative in the book of Acts. Stephen was given peace and comfort even in death by stoning. How much more can we not receive in the course of our ordinary lives?

4. Following Jesus will set lines that divide. Jesus makes it clear that family members will turn on each other because of the Gospel message. Here the idea is not that Jesus means to separate families, but that the truth given by God will create values inside of the relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, this is prevalent and rampant. Some Pastors will lead congregations to believe that Jesus is not divine, that the Bible is not God’s word, but man’s description of God, as well as other issues, such as humanity’s divine nature and mixing Eastern thought with Christianity. The Gospel will divide because the truth both liberates and makes sinner uncomfortable.

5. Jesus shares the cost of being His follower. Jesus makes the clearest remark on coming after Him. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Here we must remember that to follow Jesus is to know the cost and not be fooled by some misperception about His teachings. Jesus does not promise anything on this earth, except his presence and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. At the same time, the reward of the life spent as Jesus’ ambassador is eternal life, existence before God (face to face), and the full power of peace.

Dear Reader, I pray that as you read these posts series, you may encounter not my thoughts, but the Word of the Living God and that you may be filled with His Spirit. I pray that you may continue on your path to spiritual growth, guarded by the Word you encounter. I also pray that God may awake or bring you to repentance to enjoy his presence and to be about the fulfillment of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. May you come to love the Living God and continue to fall in love with His work in your life.