Discipleship is talked about somewhat, redefined often, and was avoided even by Jesus’ own.
HIS EXAMPLE TO HIS DISCIPLES
On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. A man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not. And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” – Luke 9:37-42
“Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:25-27
TONGUE OF DISCIPLES
“The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pull out the beard and I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced.
Because of this I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He who vindicates Me is near: who will contend with Me? Let us face off with each other. Draw near and plead your case against Me. Behold, the Lord God helps Me. Who is the one who condemns Me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment and the moth will eat them. Who among you fears the Lord, and obeys the voice of His servant Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.” – Isaiah 50:4-10
SOME CONCLUSIONS
√ The road of a disciple can be tough
√ There can be attacks and rejection
√ Trouble should not surprise His disciple
√ There is Light at the end because God IS Light
√ The road of a disciple is a road less traveled – who would choose it?
√ Disciples have courage to set our faces like flint as we trust in His mercy and power
Heavy duty stuff here in the Words of our Master. King first – then Kingdom – then church. Pure Heart – Know God – Do Kindness – Grow Life.
Dave and Burnadette
Related links:
On Earth as in Heaven
Courage
A Disciple’s Song