I just got home from my uncles’ memorial service. He was 91 and his life was quite an adventure. At the reception they showed a video of my Uncle Danny from a young man, a football star and then coach, to a husband (I was at his wedding as a five year old flower girl), to a father of three, a grandfather of five, to his son Michael’s 65th birthday party where he could still do a mean Carolina Shag on the dance floor. But what my uncle was most proud of was his love for my Aunt Sis and his family and his dedication to Jesus and his church. He would sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”
If we were looking at a video of Jesus’ life at this point in his journey, we would see Jesus’ birth in a stable. We would watch the Magi come from far away, bring the baby gifts, and go home by another way. We would see Jesus as a young boy discuss the scripture with his elders in the Temple and “grow in wisdom and stature.” We would see his baptism where a dove of peace rather than a lion of war settled on his shoulder, and we would worry as we watch him be lead into the wilderness to be tested. Now we watch as his ministry begins and he calls his disciples.
The word “disciple” is mentioned over 250 times in the New Testament. A disciple is a learner or apprentice, one who follows a teacher to imitate their way of life and teachings. According to 2 Timothy, chapter 2, disciples are strengthened by the grace of Christ and share in his sufferings. A disciple is like a disciplined soldier who enlist, an athlete, or a hard working farmer. Discipleship isn’t an easy life but it is a good life. So, I have decided, like my uncle, to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. What about you? Are you ready for a life of adventure? The world could use a few good disciples of Christ!
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, we ask that you continue to give your faithful disciples wisdom, knowledge, revelation, and hearts that are strengthened by your grace. Amen.