EmmDev 2024-06-25 [The Discipleship Journey] Another Disciple Called - To Truth

Another Disciple Called - To Truth

Throughout this series I'll be looking at people Jesus called.
Some responded immediately and some hesitated.
So far we have considered the disciples who left their nets, Matthew, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler.

Today we look at a woman, trapped by years of being discarded and devalued by men.
She's caught in a trap of shame - coming to collect water at the well at the hottest time of the day, hoping no-one else will be there.

Jesus engages her and their conversation meanders from the practicalities of drawing water from the well to living water and her desire for it.

Jesus doesn't ask her to be born again.
He doesn't ask her to sell her stuff.
He doesn't ask her to serve Him lunch.
He doesn't ask her to leave her job and follow Him.
He does ask her to fetch her husband.

He's asking her to get real - and she does.
Then He expresses her pain: She's been discarded by 5 men and the new one won't even give her his name. Having encountered loving acceptance in spite of her broken truth, the woman asks the spiritual questions that lead her to confirming that He is the Messiah.

What's beautiful is to see what happens next:

• She leaves her water jar at the well - she's leaving her painful past with Jesus.
• She's telling others about Him.

So, again, we see that the journey of following Jesus is unique.
But the results are beautiful.
Read the account below...

He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that You are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe Me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; We worship what We do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you---I am He." Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do You want?" or "Why are You talking with her?" Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" They came out of the town and made their way toward Him. (John4:16-30)

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EmmDev 2024-06-21 [The Discipleship Journey] Inside Out

Inside Out

As we have seen, being a disciple is about following Jesus and becoming like Him.

This is not easy. It is a high call.

In the passage below, Paul urges us to have the mindset of Jesus in our relationships with others. He then talks about the incredible sacrifice Jesus made, probably quoting from an early Christian hymn.

But who is equal to such a task?
Who can live up to such a high bar?
Who can manage that?

Paul gives us the secret: We need to work from the inside out.
Take the salvation you've experienced inside you and work it outward into your life.

And the good news is that God is at work in us through His Spirit.
Through His Spirit our will can be pointed in the right direction
and so can our actions.

We are not alone,
we don't have to do this by ourselves,
or in our own strength,
God is at work INSIDE us and we get to show it OUT there.

Read all about it in the passage below...

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death --- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in My presence, but now much more in My absence---continue to work out (outward) your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. (Philippians2:5-13)

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EmmDev 2024-06-20 [The Discipleship Journey] The key ingredient

The key ingredient

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. (John13:34-35)

As we do the work of telling people about Jesus, we can be as articulate and creative as we like, but the most effective method to reach others is servant-hearted and sacrificial love.

This is what Jesus modeled when He washed the disciples' feet.
But in the same conversation He also predicted His death and even triggered it by bringing Judas out into the open and basically giving him the go ahead to commit his treachery.

Later in chapter 15 Jesus will also tell His disciples that no one has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. Then He proceeds to die for everyone, not only friends, but enemies and those who didn't know or care.

Jesus epitomised love.
When we love people through service and sacrifice, we're reflecting Jesus.

Look for opportunities today to love and serve with a gracious heart that makes people feel valued.

You'll be moving them one step closer to Jesus...

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EmmDev 2024-06-19 [The Discipleship Journey] DISCIPLES make disciples #2

DISCIPLES make disciples #2

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted? 'The first,' they answered. Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.'" (Matthew21:28-31)

I have a saying I use often: "If I have mumps but tell you I have measles, what will you catch?"
The answer is "Not measles!"

Only real disciples can make disciples.

Jesus makes the same point in this parable.

It is who we are and not what we say that matters.

What are people "catching" from you today?

Enough said...

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EmmDev 2024-06-14 [The Discipleship Journey] Disciples make disciples #1

Apologies for the missed eDev yesterday....

Disciples make disciples #1

The ultimate test of disciples is that they make disciples.
Yes. We are called to pass the faith on.

It doesn't matter how well we know the Bible.
It doesn't matter how many theological degrees we have.
It doesn't matter how much work we do in the church.
If we aren't passing the faith on, the work of discipleship is not complete in us.

Paul, writing to his protege Timothy (the disciple he is mentoring) offers this as the criteria for selecting leaders:

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2Timothy2:2)

The passage is so clear: We need to be passing on the faith.

Three observations:

1. One of the simplest ways this happens is parents and grandparents who pass their faith on to kids and grandkids.
   This is both one of the easiest and most difficult forms of sharing our faith.
   It's easy because we already have a trust relationship, we have earned the right to speak and we have a foundation of love.
   It's difficult because our kids can easily see if we practice what we preach.
   If we are not experiencing a real relationship with Christ, no matter what we say, our kids will see what we do...
   
   
2. This does not mean that we have go around getting in people's faces and pushing the gospel down people's throats. When we are following Jesus closely, we will be moved by love to connect with those around us. We will act with His compassion and sensitivity and people will ask us what makes us special.
   
   
3. We're never selling ourselves. Like the moon reflects the sun, we reflect Jesus' grace, love, compassion and kindness. It's about Him and not us. The story is told of two famous preachers in London: People left one service saying "What a preacher!" whereas they left the other service saying "What a God!"

We can't be disciples in a vacuum or a holy huddle. We're meant to be salt in the meal, leaven in the dough and light in the darkness.

Ask God to fill you with love for people who are far from Him and for courage and integrity to live well in their midst.

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EmmDev 2024-06-12 [The Discipleship Journey] Discipleship, even in the OT

Discipleship, even in the OT

I love the consistency and congruency of the Scriptures.
In the New Testament, James uses the image of our faith being like refined Gold.
In the Old Testament Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zechariah and Malachi all describe God journeying with us refining our faith like silver or gold.

Here's a beautiful passage from Job, who in the process of protesting his innocence, talks about his journey of being refined (discipled) by God.

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. (Job23:10-12)

There are such beautiful images in these three couplets:

• God is interested in the way I take. The decisions I make, the paths I choose. These matter to Him because He cares about me. God tests (refines) us. The Hebrew word for "test" is the same as in Psalm 139 "Search me O God and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." God doesn't test us to fail us, He tests us to remove the junk. The image James uses is melted gold where the heavy gold sinks to the bottom and all the impurities float to the top so that they can be scooped off by the Refiner.
• Job has tried to follow in God's steps. He didn't have the example of Jesus, but he had God's Law and God's Word. In this middle couplet Job is talking about his feet - where his actions are leading.
• In the last couplet he is talking about his attitude towards God's commands: I have not departed from them, I have treasured them more than daily bread. Does that sound familiar? Remember what Jesus said about "Not living on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

And so there we have it.
Another beautiful picture of discipleship.
- It's a road to walk
- God refines us because He wants the best for us
- We follow in His steps
- And we prioritise His Word and Commands in our hearts and actions

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EmmDev 2024-06-11 [The Discipleship Journey] The Rich Young Man

The Rich Young Man

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.' " "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Mark10:17-22)

Let me say up front that I think this Rich Young Man may well be Joseph of Arimathea who gave up his family tomb (and his reputation) for the burial of a controversial itinerant preacher named Jesus who the religious leaders of the day considered a threat.

But let's take a step back...
A young man runs up to Jesus...
He could be a fabulous recruit!
He's young, he's rich, he's devoted, he's an example to others.

One would think that Jesus would affirm him and recruit him in a heartbeat.

But He doesn't...

Why? Because this man is trapped.
He's trapped by his possessions.
He doesn't own his possessions, his possessions own him.

Jesus looked at him and loved Him.

And yet He lets him walk away.
If I were Jesus, I would have negotiated: "Ok... If all is too much, let's start with half your possessions."

But Jesus loves him too much to leave him trapped.
He needs to set him free.

It's amazing how He treats everyone uniquely.
Nicodemus had to reboot his belief system - "Be born again"
Simon Peter had to leave his nets.
Zacchaeus needed to make restitution.
Matthew needed a mission.
The rich young ruler needed to be free of his stuff.
There's no one-size-fits-all...

If this young man is in fact Joseph, then we see the wisdom of Jesus at work.

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EmmDev 2024-06-07 [The Discipleship Journey] Nicodemus

Nicodemus

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." " How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John3:3-8)

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night... Was he just curious or was he hungry and thirsty for righteousness - desperate for something that the Pharisees and the Jewish Council couldn't give him?

Jesus cuts straight to the point:
Entering God's Kingdom isn't an inherited right or something that happens by loose association. It's not something that comes to us by default if we live good lives. Entering God's Kingdom happens by new birth.

Jesus goes on to explain it with three images:

• It's a SECOND Birth - a new beginning. It is followed by growth and leads toward maturity where we "have children" by leading others to God.
• It's a SPIRITUAL Birth. Blaise Pascal talked about the "God-shaped hole" inside all of us. Being born-again is to invite God's Spirit to fill that hole.
• It's a MYSTERIOUS Birth. You can't see the wind, hold the wind or tell the wind where to blow. Being born again means that we are no longer our own - we belong to Him. We go where the wind blows.

Jesus was announcing the coming of a Kingdom.
Entry into His coming KINGDOM (where His will is done) is initiated by an event or a process (that in my case took a few months) where I had to recognise that:
- This life is not enough and I can't find fulfilment in myself.
- There is a God-shaped hole in me and I need Him
- Being born-again means I throw myself into an amazing voyage where I'm not in charge but His Wind takes me into the life He has prepared for me.

Nicodemus came at night: frightened of what others thought. We meet him again in John 7 - half-heartedly trying to stand up for Jesus. He appears a last time in John 19 carrying an armload of spices to bury Jesus. My picture is of Nicodemus in the "spiritual womb": he's hungry and thirsty and instinctively knows that Jesus holds the answers, but he just won't let go, he doesn't let the birth happen and that's just a great pity.

Do you know someone like that?

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EmmDev 2024-06-06 [The Discipleship Journey] Civil Servants #2

Civil Servants #2

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke19:1-10)

Zacchaeus was a tax-collector too. In addition to having a job that made him unpopular. He was a short man which made him an easy target for the bullies - it seems that Zacchaeus got his own back by abusing his powers as a tax-collector and, by his own admission, cheating people.

There's similarities and differences between Zacchaus and Matthew...
When Jesus called Matthew, he was minding his own business in his tax collector's booth but it is Matthew who takes the initiative and organises a banquet. With Zacchaeus it is different: Zacchaeus is the one seeking Jesus, but it is Jesus who invites Himself to Zacchaeus' home for a meal.

This is a powerful thing - in Graeco-Roman times people clamoured to host well-known teachers for a meal. When Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus' home, it gives Zacchaeus worth and dignity.

Again, the presence, love and grace of Jesus powerfully transforms Zacchaeus. His immediate response is heartfelt remorse, repentance and restitution. He undertakes to make right his wrongs.

This is no flash in a pan - Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house.

So what do we learn from our two civil servants?

• Jesus finds us, sometimes when we're seeking Him and even when we're not.
• His presence transforms us.
• The meal is symbolic of fellowship with Jesus, but it also points to a faith made public.
• In the case of Matthew, discipleship is demonstrated in outreach, evangelism and the desire to share the great gift he has received.
• In Zacchaeus' case, there is something else that must happen first: Sin has to be faced and made right.

But the powerful reality of these civil servant stories is that when Jesus steps into our lives, things will change.

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EmmDev 2024-06-05 [The Discipleship Journey] Civil Servants #1

Civil Servants #1

Matthew (aka Levi) and Zacchaeus were tax-collectors. Civil Servants. But in Jesus' time, Jewish tax collectors were considered "sell-outs" and "traitors" by the Jews. They were given broad powers and it was easy for them to abuse the system and claim more tax from people than was actually due.

Today we look at Matthew's story...

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" (Luke5:27-30)

It seems that Matthew was an honest tax-collector.
We know Zacchaeus wasn't because when he met Jesus, he was moved to promise to pay people back for money he had unjustly taken from them.
We have no record of Matthew having to do this.

What we do have is that Matthew, Mark and Luke record the story of Matthew's calling, his immediate response and the party he hosts to introduce his friends to Jesus.

So here are some observations about Matthew:

1. He was so taken with Jesus that he responded instantly, left everything and followed Jesus.
   Sometimes, meeting Jesus will mean a radical change. It might be lifestyle, job or the company we keep. But when Jesus calls us, we need to be ready to respond.
2. It is clear that meeting Jesus was a big deal for Matthew, because he holds a party big enough for the Pharisees to notice. We can only imagine a that Matthew experienced the love and grace of Jesus in a significant way. One wonders what it was...
   Was it His unconditional acceptance?
   Was it the warmth of His love?
   Was it the forgiveness He offered?
   Was it the peace He exuded?
   It's certainly one of the things I'll be asking Matthew about when I get there.
3. Matthew's party wasn't only a celebration. It was an outreach. Matthew wanted his friends to meet Jesus. This is a mark of a true disciple: they want others to have what they have found.

One of the devastating statistics about Christians is that, in general, the longer we have known Jesus, the less likely we are to share our faith with others. Ironically, new converts are the best evangelists.

This sad statistic does not have to be true of us. I have a good friend who has just reached retirement age and she is still ready, given half a chance, to winsomely and attractively share her faith with a fellow passenger, a waiter or anyone God brings across her path.

I regularly pray that I will be more like her and Matthew.

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EmmDev 2024-06-04 [The Discipleship Journey] In His Steps

In His Steps

The story goes that when they translated the NT into one of the San (Bushmen) dialects, they couldn't find a word for "disciple". Eventually they settled for the word "tracker".
I'm tracking Jesus.
I'm on the trail of Jesus.
I'm following His steps and going where He went.

It's a lovely picture.

Peter is talking about being "Aliens and Strangers" in a world that is hostile to the gospel. He's been addressing slaves, masters, wives and husbands. In the middle of all of that comes this general admonition to closely follow the example of Jesus.

As you read it, please note the following things:

1. We're to follow closely - In His steps
2. We're called to a high standard
3. It isn't always easy. We may have to go through persecution and insults. After all, so did Jesus.
4. He did something we won't have to do: He carried our sins. It's done.
5. We have good reason to follow Him. We were lost, but He found us.

Enjoy this beautiful passage!

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. (1Peter2:21-25)

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