Jesus Calls Us to Follow Him
Christian discipleship speaks to the daily walk an individual makes as he or she follows in the “way of Jesus.” There are two things that a Christian needs to remember every day about Jesus. Firstly, Jesus is the Lord of all. He is the master and sovereign lord in a Christian’s life. This is an important issue. There are many people who would say that they are not against Jesus. For them, Jesus was a nice person. Even heretics and unbelievers will rarely deny Jesus, they attempt to diminish Jesus. Jesus is more than a good teacher. He is more than a miracle worker. Jesus did more than come and show us the love of God. Jesus is not first among equals. He is first. There are no equals. Jesus is the “God-Man.” God incarnate.
The second thing Christians need to remember is that because Jesus is God in the flesh, He is our sustainer and creator. Everything is connected to and dependent on Jesus. Jesus is the architect and maintainer of everything. This was a concept that the early Christians were taught over and over again. Paul, in writing to the early church, spoke often about this. Consider his words in Colossians 1:15-16: “The Son [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (NIV) Jesus did not simply hit the start button on the universe and then go on vacation to leave this creation to its own devices. This is a great and reassuring truth that often goes unnoticed and forgotten.
Look around and consider the world. We see earthquakes, tsunamis, terrorist acts, crime, violence, divorce, and many other disconcerting things. At first glance, does it seem like Jesus is in charge? Does it seem like Jesus is holding things together? From our limited perspective, things can look bleak. The presence of so much evil and chaos sometimes makes the claims of Scripture hard to fathom. God, as He speaks to us through Scripture, challenges us to take a step back. God calls us to reimagine this world, to remember that He is on the throne. Jesus is the spiritual gravity that keeps the cosmos from being chaos. Yes, this world is suffering from the curse of sin. We live in a creation that is in the throes of spiritual warfare. There are spiritual forces and demonic powers that defy God and attempt to destroy what He has created. However, despite this onslaught and rebellion, God’s dominion is always supreme.
Remember when Jesus’ disciples thought they were going to die because a violent storm was about to swamp and sink their boat? Jesus spoke and calmed the tempest. At His words, the squall calmed and the waves subsided. The disciples of Jesus went from thinking their lives were lost to asking themselves: “Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey his voice?” Do not miss the point of this great story; nature does not exist for its own sake. It exists to display the greatness of God.
As disciples, we endeavor to learn and remember that all things are made by God. All things are subject to Him. While we do not understand all the "ins and outs" of life, God's plan reigns supreme. We can trust His absolute adequacy because of His absolute authority. There is no sphere of existence over which Jesus is not the master. Jesus is Lord over every power, every ruler, every government, every authority, every throne. Even those in rebellion, even those we cannot see - the demonic realm - they are subject to Jesus. Did you ever notice in the Gospel accounts that when Jesus spoke to and rebuked the demons, they never denied Jesus? They never sassed Jesus. They never said “no” to Jesus. They did what He told them to do.
I say all of this to remind us of these important truths. We, too often, forget that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we live life and walk in the way of Jesus, let us find comfort in the greatness of Jesus. What frightens you? Bring it to Jesus. What is tempting you? Again, lay it at Jesus’ feet. Take comfort in the words: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV) Keep looking up!