Last night I led a new Discipleship class at Desperation Church. Only nine folks showed up, which was a bit disappointing (especially since three of them were in my immediate family and four others have been walking with the Lord for years and years). There were two people who are new to this Christian walk, however, and I was reminded of why I love Jesus and those who, with child-like faith, have fallen in love with Him. I pray that, as this bi-monthly class continues, the numbers will grow and better reflect the many who have begun this journey to know God in our community.
I've decided to briefly share, the following day, what our discipleship class conversed about. Last night we discussed what discipleship truly is... and what it is not. We talked about how a disciple is more than just a 'learner' or a 'student' of something or someone, but one who has abandoned all in order to learn from AND radically become like the one they are following.
As disciples of Jesus the Messiah then, our goal is not to gather together only to gain more and more head-knowledge, but to begin to discuss and discover ways in which we can literally be those that are becoming transformed into the very likeness of Him.
Practically what would that look like?
Would we say 'no' to a job opportunity that paid well and seemed great, if it required us to do something, even a small something, we felt was against what God was desiring of us? What if we had to work during corporate worship times? What if we had to be slightly dishonest in our sales-pitch?
If we were a teenage athlete, would we approach our coach and ask to get out of practice early on Wednesday nights so that we could attend Youth Group at church, because our relationship with God and God's people was vitally important to us? What if they said "no"? What if a scholarship were on the line?
Would we sacrifice a better life-style, in order to be a person who could give more, serve more, and love others practically to a greater degree?
What does it REALLY look like to be a disciple of Jesus - to be someone that actually abandons everything in order to walk in obedience to His Spirit's whispering?
We then talked about what the central truth, or the central message, of a disciple of Jesus really is: The universal reign of God. In other words, a true follower of Jesus is one who lives as though Jesus is in charge... of all. He's the King. He's the Boss. We may live in America, Australia, Africa, China, or anyplace else... but in REALITY we live in a Kingdom that is not really of this world - the Kingdom of God. And in His Kingdom, Jesus is King. He reigns.
I know... we've all heard that before, right? "JESUS REIGNS!" is a popular slogan and lyric for many of us. But do we live like it? Truth is, just taking a quick look around,... it sure doesn't seem like Jesus reigns. When I see the pain of the abused, the judgement towards others unlike ourselves in appearance or sexuality, and the corruptness and darkness of a world that has rejected God... I don't get visions of Jesus wearing a crown or sitting on a throne and smiling.
Why?
Because Jesus doesn't reign. Unless you and I let Him.
A disciple is one who announces the universal reign of God... with their words and with their lives. They are gaining head-knowledge, sure. However more than that, they are those that are becoming like Jesus. They are those that understand He is the King and what He says goes. They understand that what is actually taking place is a transformation; A Kingdom of princesses and princes who were once gutter-bums and ragamuffins are changing and becoming incredibly different than what they were... they are becoming Christ-like.
Today, may you and I be those that pronounce to this world that we have abandoned the passions of this culture and are pursuing a King Who loves us enough to die for us and then allows us to join Him in an incredible adventure by calling us to follow in His radical footsteps.
"How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" - Isaiah 52:7 (HCSB)
Is the discipleship class mainly for those new in their walk or for anyone no matter how long they have been following Jesus?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you nine had a wonderful time! Is there another theme next time, or is this the general theme and expounded on each time you meet? Sounds like I want to know more on this topic as the questions asked are questions I have asked myself, and haven't totally come up with a definite answer.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I seriously do not understand who is supposed to go to this class. If you answer Sarah's question, though, that should take care of everything.
ReplyDeleteIt's a discipleship class and has been advertised as, "for anyone that wants to grow and learn more about the Jesus-loving way of life". The class is for ANYbody, however, it is geared towards those that are brand-spanking new to their Christian walk. As I wrote, 7 of the 9 folks that attended have been Christians for some time, including a Bible-Seminary student. The subjects from class to class will vary, but they will be over pretty 'basic' things in the Christian faith. My desire is for this class to be more than a place for believers to grow in head-knowledge, but also a place to see that Christ calls us to be transformed. Our next class will be October 16th, at 6pm. I allow questions to sort-of dictate where we go, however, my plan is to talk about the centrality of Jesus. I hope this helps, and thanks for reading. =)
ReplyDeleteOh. Thanks^
ReplyDelete