Relationship, Process, Journey WITH Jesus
| Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark3:13-15) |
This is the bottom-line of discipleship.
We are to be WITH Jesus.
Jesus spent 3 years with 12 men.
The "did life" together.
Walking long distances, sharing meals, working, serving, hearing, seeing, experiencing the "rhythms of grace" present in Jesus.
They would have seen how He treated people, kids and animals.
They'd have seen how He was unaffected (and unimpressed) by fame, money and status.
They'd watch Him eat, share, teach and heal.
They'd know that He practised what He preached.
They'd experienced His love and kindness.
They'd seen His righteous indignation and zeal for God.
They knew by experience that He was the real deal.
Discipleship is caught - not taught.
If I tell you I have mumps but actually I have measles, what will you catch?
Measles!
When Peter and John heal the lame man at the gate called beautiful, the Pharisees and Rulers arrest them and threaten them with a very heavy hand. This does not phase the disciples. Here's the observation Luke makes: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts4:13)
WWJD.
What Would Jesus Do?
This question is key to the transformation of our lives.
But it means we need to have been with Him.
Being with Jesus is a relationship, a process and journey.
People will see it, if we've been doing it.
Have you been with Jesus today?
First prize is that we started the day with Him, reading from His Word, talking to Him in prayer and drinking in His presence.
If your day didn't start that way, it's not too late.
Quieten your soul now, ask Him to be with you, to guide your steps and to walk today with you.
Then, when you hear His whisper, answer.
