It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, He said, and the servant like his master (Matthew 10:25).
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15).
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Joni Eareckson Tada – As you may recall, Joni had a diving accident early in life that left her paralyzed from the neck down. In a recent youtube video, Joni said, “When my diving accident first happened, I didn’t know what to think. I came to realize I’d been slammed up against God.” Over time, Joni would see the beautiful plan God had for her life and recently commented, “I wouldn’t trade this wheel chair for anything.”
Ann and I watched another video about the history of commerce. In it, the church of the day fought hard against the expanding world of indulgence thinking that virtue was what mattered most.
We watched another video that mentioned a very well-known church and how the congregants are growing tired of its “seeker-centered” and entertaining atmosphere. The church-goers want to go deeper with the Lord, but the church is finding it difficult to do since it’s not been a priority and the leaders are not sure how to implement the change. They’re even acknowledging their own lack of depth.
I think it’s so wonderful how the Lord will allow the church (us) to go just so far until He brings it back to Himself, to learning of Him. It’s the only way any of us will be set free, indeed.
In his book, “Let Me Entertain You,” Merlin Carothers begins chapter 10 with the following.
Disciplined Disciples
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24)
“Call people to be my disciples,” God had told me. Obviously, the call couldn’t be dressed up or glossed over with Hollywood glamor or deception. I wasn’t going to be allowed to increase the ranks by presenting a message called: “Easy Street. Enter into God’s favor and find fun, food, luxury, and leisure!”
My call to disciples could not include suggestions that we might be allowed to get up in the morning when we want to get up, eat what we like, buy whatever we desire, go where we want to go, rest when we feel like it, and enjoy whatever makes us feel good whenever the mood strikes us. I had to tell the truth.
Jesus didn’t call us to a life of ease. He called us to get up early, study and work hard, serve selflessly and pray constantly. He warned us to be alert to danger, even when it comes in the form of entertaining distractions.
“Deny yourself,” He said, “and take up your cross.”
Madison Avenue’s executives would sit Jesus down and try to explain the basics of advertising. “Look,” they’d say, “never highlight the negatives. Self-denial isn’t popular this century. Give ’em what they want. It’s okay to create a need if necessary. But for pity sake, don’t offer them a cross!”
“Granted, the idea of a symbol that will always be associated with you is good thinking, but – a symbol of death lacks a certain promotional appeal. If you hope to achieve any success – you’d better just focus on those heavenly mansions you’re building. Heaven…blessings…peace…love…joy, those are your best words. Forget the cross.”
But Jesus doesn’t watch television or read magazines, so He isn’t influenced by commercial advertising techniques. “Deny yourself,” he calls out again, more firmly, “take up your cross and follow me.”
The world’s advertising is clever – it’s designed to appeal to the masses. Jesus is selective – His requirements attract only a few. He wants disciples who are willing to be like Him.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32
God bless you all,
Mark