Grace and peace, my dear friends, and welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." Today, we embark on a journey into the lives of those who walked closely with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The apostles, chosen from diverse backgrounds, were transformed in ways that are both profound and inspiring. Let's delve into their stories and uncover the profound call to true discipleship.
The apostles weren't just fishermen or tax collectors; they were individuals with unique pasts, diverse experiences, and varied perspectives. But something incredible happened when they encountered Jesus. Consider Simon and Andrew, casting their nets aside to become "fishers of men" at Jesus' command. (Mark 1:16-20)
Or take Matthew, a tax collector who found himself summoned by Jesus. He abandoned his lucrative profession, responding to the call of a higher purpose. This is a stark reminder that the call to discipleship often requires leaving behind the familiar and embracing the radical unknown.
True discipleship means following Jesus with our whole hearts, surrendering our old selves to embrace the new life He offers. Jesus himself taught, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
But what does it mean to "take up your cross"? It means accepting the challenges and sacrifices that come with discipleship – the hardships, the rejections, the changes. It's not a casual commitment; it's a total transformation of heart, mind, and soul. As Jesus continued, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:24)
True discipleship requires us to let go of our earthly desires and submit to Christ's lordship. It's a radical change, a call to abandon our own ambitions and adopt His divine purpose. And as we do, we discover the richness of a life deeply rooted in Him.
Look at the apostles – ordinary men who became extraordinary vessels of God's love and grace. Their stories remind us that God doesn't choose the qualified; He qualifies the chosen. He sees our potential, our willingness, and He transforms us into instruments of His will.
So, my friends, let us reflect on the lives of the apostles. Let their journeys inspire us to answer the call to true discipleship, to lay down our old selves and embrace the new life that Christ offers. Let us take up our crosses daily, following in His footsteps with unwavering faith and wholehearted commitment.
As we navigate the path of discipleship, remember that we're not alone. The same Jesus who walked with the apostles walks with us today, guiding us, empowering us, and transforming us into His likeness. Let us embrace this call to true discipleship, for in it lies the profound joy of following Christ wholeheartedly.
May His peace and grace be with you all. Until next time, my friends. I'm Pastor Loren Christensen.
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