In Luke’s Gospel the fifth chapter, Jesus calls
His first disciples. Most of us are familiar with the narrative and a biblical
“skimming” or a skipping process takes place when reading. Jesus calls these men to “come and see”,
while they are in the midst of probably the most lucrative part of their
professions. Peter along with his partners James and John just pulled up the
most amazing catch of fish they have ever experienced. Levi or better his Greek
name Matthew was busy cheating people out of their tax money making him
extremely rich. The point is, when Jesus
called these men and others to follow they were asked to give up everything.
This was not a soft ask, “guys if you have some time and it isn’t a huge inconvenience,
would you be interested in considering hanging out with me on more than a
regular basis?” This was a “do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”
Vs.11 “When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and
followed Him.” This was more than just a “come and see” proposition. They
actually began the “come and die” mentality right off the bat without
relational equity, any life experience or formal training. This was the beginning of the discipleship
process. Raise the bar from the start and compel people to join you in the
journey of becoming more like Jesus.
Here
are some thoughts I have on the subject of truly following Him and making
disciples:
·
It must
be daily and intentionally
·
Abandon
all for Him
·
See His
majesty, be overwhelmed by his mercy and pursue Him through mission When was
the last time you read a passage in Scripture where you were in awe of God?
What was your response?
·
Focus on
gospel or kingdom productivity instead of just Christian activity (focus on
best and remove those “good” things)
·
Recalibrate
your life to trust more on the authority of Christ. Do you truly believe He is
who He says He is and desires to do amazing things in and through you?
·
When the
gospel is proclaimed lives are changed. Does your life speak of “Good News”, or
does it merely speak Christianese? (A religious language that your
pre-Christian friends don’t speak)
·
Embrace
Christ’s suffering in order to fulfill the Great Commission. The Gospel is
spread by suffering servants not in spite of suffering. We will be persecuted, we are to embrace
Christ’s suffering, “he who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments;
and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his
name before my Father and before His angels.” Rev. 3:5
Final
question/s: What
are you still holding on to that inhibits you from leaving all and following
Him? Is it fear, security, reputation, pride, schedule, sin etc.? Who are you
intentionally pouring into the love of Christ that is in you? Who are you journeying
with to become more like Jesus?
