Joining Jesus
There are those who approach Jesus and ask to join Him and His disciples. And others Jesus calls. Not all who say they will follow, do.
As I was writing that introduction to our story, I realized how true that statement is; for today as well as the days Jesus spoke them. SO MANY people give ‘lip service’ to following Jesus. Some claim to be Christians, but their lives don’t show it. Others try to live the lifestyle of one of His followers, but never make the personal relationship with Him. Jesus even says that there will come some to the throne of God, believing they did it all right, but will be rejected because there was never a relationship.
“But we cast out demons in Your name and healed the sick.”
“Depart from Me, for I never knew you.”
Talk about a heart breaking moment of discovery. In the Left Behind series, there is a main character who was a decan in the church and he found himself left behind. He did all the right things, but never connected with the True Giver of Life; Jesus.
We are going to pop in on several days with Jesus and His disciples as Jesus encounters those who choose to follow Him. I’m sure events like these happened fairly frequently throughout Jesus’ time on earth. I KNOW that God can keep up with all the different incidence of people wanting to join Jesus’ group, but we only get a few examples. So, let’s make the most of the examples we have.
Holy Spirit, please lead this journey again today. Fill in the ‘blanks’ and help me to see the story in front of me. Show me what to take from it for my own life as well.
♥ ♦ ♥
Today is like any other day, walking the roads with Jesus. People flock to Him, the sick cry out for healing, the Pharisees try to trap Him, and those who are wise enough to listen receive mana straight from Heaven in His teachings.
As Jesus concludes His time with the people today, He turns to walk away. Standing not more that the space of His shadow’s reach is one of the teachers of the law. This isn’t a surprising sight or even an unusual one. What is unusual is that this man is alone. He does not have the support of his peers to confront Jesus.
Jesus stops in His steps to hear from the man; Joseph.
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Matthew 8:19) Joseph says.
Anyone can see from Joseph’s stance that he is teetering on the fence of this decision. All that Jesus has done today tugs on his heart; makes him want to be part of it. But he doesn’t know what the ‘cost’ is. Will it be something he can commit to? Or will Jesus ask too much of him?
Joseph waits silently for Jesus’ answer.
Jesus knows Joseph’s heart. As He considers this man’s heart, He can’t help comparing it to another ‘Joseph’ He knew; His earthly abba. There was a man who would do whatever was asked of him. From taking his wife, who was carrying the child of God, to moving from place to place to protect that Child, to training Him up in the ways He should go. Not once telling God; “This is too hard!”
Jesus knows that this Joseph’s heart already has that phrase perched on his tongue. Best to be upfront with him. Speak to him of the very things that will make his decision for him.
“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
Joseph’s face falls. He is a man of great wealth and comfort. He has never spent a single night out in the open. Even while traveling, he always stays in the inns. Sleeping wherever you happen to be is NOT something he is willing to do.
“Oh well. At least I tried” he says to himself as he watches Jesus and His disciples walk away. And, the more he rationalizes away ‘whatever’ it was that made him bold enough to make that statement, the more comfortable he feels with his decision to stay where he is.
Deep in his heart though, something has taken root and it will continue to grow. Someday, he will be willing to take that step. Maybe not the one of walking beside Jesus on the dusty roads of Israel, but following His teachings and believing fully in who Jesus really is.
A month goes by. Jesus continues to minister to the people and to call them to the Kingdom of Heaven. Many listen. Many come for whatever they can get from His hand. And many come to see a ‘spectacle’. Today, a man from the first group stands near Jesus as He prepares to move onto another city.
“How I wish I could sit at His feet and drink in every word He has to say” the man thinks to himself. He says nothing though. The responsibilities of his life keep his feet firmly planted where they are; on the sidelines.
Jesus knows this heart as well. He knows the man’s desire. He has seen him in the crowds MANY times. Every time they come to this area, he is part of the crowd. And he is listening with his whole being!
“All he needs is a little ‘push’” says the Father to Jesus.
“I agree” Jesus silently whispers back.
Jesus walks right up to the man and begins speaking. “Follow me” (Luke 9:59a).
The man doesn’t need to look around. His heart leaps, but then settles back beneath the burdens of responsibility it carries.
“Lord, first let me go and bury my father” (Luke 9:59b) he says with pleading eyes.
Jesus shakes His head. “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60).
His heart feels like it has just been broken out of prison. He will do exactly as Jesus has said. It will not involve following Jesus as He walks mile after mile through the countryside. It will involve him boldly proclaiming, to ANY who will listen, the lessons he has learned at Jesus’ feet. His responsibilities will NOT hold his heart captive. He feels as free as a bird let loose from a cage. His responsibilities are not gone, but they don’t define him any longer.
Another day along the road with Jesus, an eager young man comes running after Jesus and His group. Jesus sees him approaching. He knows what is coming. He knows that He is going to have to be brutally honest with this young man. He can see a tether in his heart. One that is not so easily broken, or stretched.
The young man reaches Jesus and comes to an abrupt halt. After catching his breath, he says; “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family” (Luke 9:61).
Jesus looks at him and shakes His head. Sorrow fills His eyes. Sorrow for what He knows the young man has lost; at least for today. There may yet come a day when he is ready to leave it all behind and follow the Lord with his whole heart. But, what could have been, won’t happen. The ‘tether’ is too strong.
“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
The young man looks at Jesus with confusion.
“You are not ready to fully commit yet. There will come a day when you are. And, when you are, I will use you mightily.”
“When will that be, Jesus?”
“That is up to you. But, know this. The road is not easy. It will test you beyond your own limits. But the reward is more than you can fathom.”
“What is the reward?”
“A relationship with God that cannot be shaken by even death. And He will stand with you when you reach your limits. For He is limitless.”
Jesus turns away from the young man and continues on His way. It takes a minute, but the rest of the disciples turn a leave too. The young man is left standing in the road behind them; wondering when his time will come.
Each of the disciples sees himself in the young man as they continue on. Each remembers the moment Jesus called them to His side. Peter remembers that he stepped back to complete a task before fully committing.
“Does that mean that I am not fit for service” Peter asks himself. Then he remembers that Jesus, Himself, gave him the name ‘Peter’ and promised to use him for the Kingdom. “I don’t know how, or when, but I will be ready when Jesus needs me most” Peter vows in his heart.
(to be continued)
We all know of Peter’s failure to keep that promise; at the time of Jesus’ trial. But he did keep it in helping to build the church after Jesus ascended to Heaven. Peter never pulled away again. He still made mistakes, but he took correction and stayed true to the Lord the rest of his life.
I feel like the last young man at times. I get wrapped up in what is going on around me and find myself not coming to the word for a few days. I will say though, that during those times, there is still praise songs in my heart and on my lips. I haven’t walked away or looked back on how easy it was before, when I didn’t come and spend time with God every day. I am just overwhelmed; for a time. And I have to learn NOT to let Satan use that against me and beat me over the head with it!
Father God, thank You for hearing my heart. For keeping it close to You, even when I feel overwhelmed. Thank You for quieting the storms and giving me small oasis’ of rest and refreshing. Thank You for waiting for me to find the time when I was ‘ready’ to commit. I can’t imagine my life without You! And I NEVER want to try to.
