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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Disciple
Jesus saw that all the people were around him. So Jesus told
his followers to go to the other side of the lake.
-- Matthew 8:18 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus had this intriguing habit of withdrawing from the crowds. At
first glance, we want to correct him, and remind him, that he is trying
to win the world for God. How is he going to do that by running away
from folks who are seeking him? Then we realize how ludicrous such a
thought is, and we realize the audacity of even thinking we could give
him advice. Hopefully, this insight will lead to conviction. Jesus
wasn't trying to gain an audience; he was trying to prepare an army. He
is not trying to gain a following; he wants to forge followers. He
didn't need "hangers on"; he was looking for disciples. A disciple, a
true follower, doesn't just go around listening to all the neat stuff
the Teacher says. No, a true disciple is going to become like the
Teacher. In the process of becoming like the Teacher, the true follower
will be confused, amazed, bewildered, astounded, tested, saved, broken,
encouraged, exposed, protected ... Jesus' goal for his disciples was to
make true followers. He wasn't interested in a big church membership
roll; he wanted committed followers! That is as radical today as it was
then. Yes, true followers will be church members, but they're also
going to be a lot more. They're going to live to share Jesus' life with
others and teach them how to live it.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O majestic Lord, forgive me for wanting the easy way and the popular
discipleship. Today I'm asking for your help to become a true follower
of Jesus, displaying his character and living by his values. In
Christ's name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0407-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+8:18&sr=1&t=erv
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