Monday, July 18, 2011
The Twelve
I’ve said it and heard others say, “I wish I could have lived in Jesus day and been one of His disciples.” I still feel that way at times, but I have also discovered that their lives were not always to be envied. Being a true disciple of Christ has never been easy, even for the original twelve.
Without a doubt the twelve men who were called Jesus disciples were some of the most influential in human history. They accompanied Jesus who had an amazing ministry which included large crowds, physical healings, exorcisms, miracles and great debates that left the other side speechless. It was difficult for Jesus opponents to effectively argue with him when he fed five thousand or raised people from the dead. Of course, just like today, there were those who argued in the face of obvious proofs, but, despite the skeptics, Jesus had a major impact on the world in His day and His disciples got to be right smack dab in the middle of the action.
What does it mean to be involved in something God is doing? Would we really have been happy as one of the twelve? What was that like? We can get a pretty good idea from The Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament). Allow me to make three observations:
1. Jesus’ staff was clueless many times. In Scripture, the disciples were often asking Jesus for clarification or understanding. At other times they were consulting with one another trying to figure out what Jesus was up to. Most notably, when Jesus was taken away by his religious and political enemies to be crucified, the disciples were confused and shaken. Jesus had clearly predicted everything that would happen, but it was so contrary to what the disciples had in their minds that they could not comprehend it.
2. The twelve were not often in spotlight. During their time with Jesus we do not read much about them preaching or doing miracles. In one incident, they had trouble casting out a demon. They did not have their own congregations. Often they performed servant-like duties such as distributing food, fetching a donkey, rowing boats and going shopping. 3. There were many occasions when Jesus did not agree with his disciples’ opinions. One time they tried sending children away and he forbade them. Another time they wanted to call fire down from heaven, but he would have nothing to do with it. Near the end of His ministry they tried to convince Him to stay away from Jerusalem, but He “set his face like flint.” Once he even rebuked Peter, who meant well but was encouraging Jesus to do the wrong thing.
In short, the twelve didn’t have an easy go of it. They were hated. They were transient. At times they slept outdoors. Judas eventually became so disenchanted that he betrayed Jesus. Ten others temporarily forsook Him during the crucifixion. And yet ten of these twelve men died martyrs and all but one became the foundation for the New Testament Church.
Jesus’ twelve Disciples had a great opportunity, but we have the same opportunity. Jesus did not give these men a trouble-free path; He gave them a chance to embrace opposition and live a life of integrity. He told their contemporaries, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31) We can’t be one of the twelve, however, we can be a disciple. It is a privilege, but it won’t always feel privileged. It will be challenging, but it will allow us to have a part in changing the world.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Half-baked Christianity
It’s faster, cheaper and easier – so why not? It’s lukewarm, tough, and very possibly loaded with dangerous bacteria – that’s why not! I’m referring to half-baked chicken. Like so many other foods, chicken can taste wonderful when prepared any number of ways, but it always needs to be thoroughly cooked. To save money, energy or time by undercooking chicken is a bad move.
Half baked Christianity is equally inferior. It not only fails the “Christian”, but it fails those who should be ministered to as well as the God who should be loved and honored. As a result of poorly practiced Christianity there are many people who have lost faith. Not because Christianity has failed people, but because people have failed to live it whole-heartedly.
Half-baked Christianity doesn’t call people to radical commitment. It doesn’t expect regular church attendance or a public confession of faith through baptism – the kind of conversion experience first century Christians experienced, where they were so overwhelmed with God’s Spirit that they “spoke with tongues.” (see Acts chapters 2, 8, 10 &19) Half-baked Christians no longer expect real miracles, physical healings and powerful moves of the Spirit. They shy away from firm convictions and authoritative preaching such as Peter and John the Baptist modeled.
When Christians attempt to practice their faith the easy way by going light on things like diligence, selflessness, obedience and commitment, the end result is disheartening. Half-baked Christianity is like a half baked Thanksgiving dinner: who wants chewy turkey, runny potatoes, watered down milk, and undercooked beans all topped off with soggy apple pie and a cup of lukewarm coffee?
When Jesus called people to follow him, he made it plain that the road would not be easy. He said, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. (Matthew 10:37-39 NLT) When asked which commandment was greatest, he responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
True Christianity requires passionate prayer, raw faith, unreserved allegiance, and whole-hearted worship. To be a genuine Christian you have to fully commit, like when you hold your breath under water or sky dive. But the results are spectacular. Real Christianity changes lives, triggers miracles, promotes love, gives God great joy and brings deep settled peace. Fully baked Christianity is tasty and fulfilling, don’t settle for anything less.
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