Allow me to share some scripture to help you understand my thinking on this subject. From Mark's gospel chapter 1 and verses 14-17, "After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God 'The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near, Repent and believe in the good news! As he was passing along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.
'Follow ME," Jesus told them, 'and I will make you fish for people!" Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, He saw James, the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets. Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him."
The kingdom of God's primary work is the calling of men and women to the King's service. A life of intimacy, satisfaction and deep meaning... and challenge. Following the King's call to establish something that will last forever! Nothing else will ever totally satisfy the man or woman who has by the Spirit heard the voice of Jesus calling him or her to "Come and follow me.!"
God's call to himself is a call to relationship.
God's call to himself is to a life of service and worship.
God's call to himself involves a transformation of relationships and priorities.
In the security of intimacy and belonging to God all other relationships and commitments find their proper place and order.
Another place of belonging: The call to covenant relationship with other Christ followers.
1 Corinthians chapter 11 and verse 1, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Other translations render this verse as "Imitate me as I imitate Christ" and "Pattern yourself after me, as I imitate and follow Christ."
Because of our own insecurities we often don't call people to follow Christ in us as Paul did...but there is no 'Plan B' to Christian disciple making. When you substitute anything in place of the biblical pattern you're no longer building the kingdom of God. Many more people are being called to 'church' or a religious experience or institution than they are to a life changing encounter with the living Christ.
Jesus Christ cannot be reduced to a program or a sermon outline. His life must be demonstrated in real relationships and life experiences and not held hostage to the 'safe' confines of church auditoriums or Sunday school classrooms. It's time we let God out of the 'boxes' made by human hands.
Jesus command to "Come follow me" is still echoing outward into our present day world. Even as you read this blog if you listen for the voice of God's Spirit you can hear him calling you to himself in relationship! What will be your answer to the Lord? Are you willing to leave the security of your own 'nets' and 'families' to simply follow him wherever he may lead?
The massive changes which are coming into our world in the coming years will either destroy us or drive us deeper into the realities of a Kingdom which cannot be shaken or destroyed. The voice of our loving, holy and sovereign King is calling us to himself. Jesus knows exactly who we are and still he welcomes us to belong to him and to use us in his grand plans of calling others to believe and belong.
Today, even as you read this, the Lord 'sees you' in a deep and intimate way. He knows exactly where you are in every sense of your being: body, soul and spirit. His word to you today is a radical and liberating call to himself...not to resolve to be a 'better person' in your own power and strength....but to surrender to the love that will change you from the inside out.
It's love that liberates, changes and transforms. Jesus first and last call is always to himself. Come and follow Jesus as I follow him. Together in a community of belonging and believing, real life truly begins!
Jim
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