Ministers Desk 9th June

We are now over half way through our Not a Fan series.  Over 100 people are part of Explore Groups studying the material.  More people than that are using the journals.  People continue to borrow the DVD of the movie and of course we are all hearing the sermons in worship.

Many people are having significant reactions to this series.  Some people are appreciating the challenge it makes to their discipleship.  Others are reacting adversely to it.  Either reaction is great as far as I am concerned.  The gospel message of Jesus was never meant to be something that failed to bring about a strong reaction in people.  Think of the Pharisees and teachers of the law who wanted Jesus put to death because he challenged the status quo.  Think of the crowd that were so passionate about the potential of Jesus on Palm Sunday and then were so disappointed with him by Good Friday that they turned against him and in their revenge wanted a convicted criminal set free.  Think also of the many who responded to Jesus positively and gave much to follow him.   Zacchaeus the Tax Collector gave half of his possessions to the poor and repaid four times anybody he’d cheated.  Jesus says “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23, 24).  When we have adverse reactions to the gospel of Jesus, we need to consider whether we are reacting because we are a fan.

 

This series stirs us out of our assumptions about following Jesus.  No, we’re not all called to sell our houses, quit our jobs and work in a community centre.  Yes, we are all called to love and value Jesus above our homes and possessions and above the things that define our importance and place in this world.  This series gives us a chance to reflect on whether our allegiance to Jesus affects us deeply, or whether it is a feel good aspect of our lives that moulds itself around the lives that we would live anyway.

 

The terminology of being a follower fits into our purpose of Growing Disciples.  Growing Disciples are also seeking to grow in their obedience, love and surrender to the God who has given them everything.  They are not content with a superficial relationship, but earnestly seek an ever deepening connection with him.  That is not always easier, the life of a follower is characterised by a radical reorientation to the way of God’s kingdom and away from this world and our pursuit of self-interest.  “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matt 101:37-39).