The goal of this year’s teachings (both on the weekends and at The Rock Men and Ladies’ Nights) is to help each other become “Fully Devoted Disciples” of Jesus. I think perhaps most of us (including me) would say I want to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus. As Christians, you’d think this would be a given. I’ve certainly heard our pastors preach solid theological truth week in and week out. Doesn’t that automatically put me on the roller coaster of being a disciple? Whelp, yes and no.
Head knowledge and understanding are indeed helpful and move us in the right direction. Early in my walk with the Lord, I zealously learned some of the basics of faith. Like the acronym J.A.R.R.S. (Justification, Atonement, Redemption, Regeneration, and Sanctification). Additionally, profound truths changed my thinking and positioned me in a place of faith. I had the desire to become fully devoted to Jesus. Along with that, I also needed a gift from God. I needed simple, childlike faith.
Recently, I read some very familiar verses in my daily devotions. They struck me as an insightful prelude to our beloved Great Commission verses (Matthew 28:18-20). These verses take place after Jesus rose from the dead.
“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him – but some of them doubted.” — Matthew 28:16-17 (NLT)
Let’s Not Doubt
Think about this scene. Jesus has risen from the dead. That, in and of itself, should be convincing enough. His fully devoted disciples went to where He told them to go. Upon seeing Him, they immediately worshiped him. Without a doubt, it was the right response for sure! Yet, it says some of them doubted. How like humans to question, “Is this really happening?” I believe there are times when we can encounter God, but still have doubts. I’ve witnessed many miracles and yet experienced my own faithlessness at times.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be more like the fully devoted disciples who worshiped Jesus and had no doubts. My Scripture study and the teachings I listen to are definitely integral to my devotion to that. Yet, but by the grace of God go I. We read nothing of Jesus chastising the doubters. Instead, with grace, He gives them (and us) truth to live by.
Let’s Yearn To Be
Jesus told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
By faith, a fully devoted disciple will go and make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey all the commands. And God will always be with us every step of the way, even through our doubts. I know there is more to this. But, as best as I know how (and by the grace of God), I forever yearn to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus. How about you?
Fully devoted with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor