Wonderful Counsellor
Isaiah 61:1-3
(www.biblegateway.com)
Todays reading emphasises the "Discipling Nature" of Jesus first coming. Jesus did not come to provide a salvation "Moment", he came to give a "Life", an exchanged life. When Jesus stood up in the synagogue and began his ministry he said what he came to do "Change lives" - Preach good tidings to the poor, heal the broken hearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Each of these lives once ministered to experience "Freedom".
However - each of these "Changed Lives" were the product of a moment with ongoing effects. This is where the word "Discipleship" comes in. Jesus did not just say "Be healed", he imparted his spirit and his life into his hearers. He drew a group of young men around him, and imparted not just a moment experience, but a life investment in them. This was his process for passing on his ministry. Discipleship.
Today, many church attenders (i am choosing these words carefully) are settling for less. Less time in Gods word, less time with the other believers, less personal devotion to the lord, less relational discipleship. If we keep settling for less, there won't be much left.
The apostle Paul said "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ' Colossians 1:28
Have you settled for Less ? Jesus came not just to give eternal life, but to give abundant life, a life full of his spirit. Discipleship (being made into a devoted follower of Christ) is not an optional extra that we can choose at some point, to add to our faith, in the same way we add another service to our tv subscription, it is the entire purpose of Christ's Ministry on earth, and the ongoing purpose of believers.
Here is the question - are you being "Made" a disciple by someone ? or are you "Making" a disciple. There is much more to being a christian than church attendance, are you settling for less ?
PJ
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