Matthew 28:18 “Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
This last Sunday, I was back up at Bass Lake to go with my father to his Little Church in the Pines and enjoy another sermon by Pastor Herk. The word disciple is not used in common language today, but the definition is simply “a learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another.” But, goes beyond learning to being “a follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.” Pastor Herk explains that being a disciple and making disciples (as the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ commands) is not an easy job.
To start with, a Christian disciple should be able to submit to authority with a willing mindset of submission, not pride. We need to listen because God has something to tell us. There needs to be a proper submission to God’s Word and Will. Jesus said in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. God the Son demonstrated submission to God the Father. Jesus wants us to do the same. Model Christ.
The events of this world are in the hands of God and there we need to leave them. In this secularized modern world today, there is a lessening of the virtue “striving for excellence” before the eyes of the Lord. We need to focus on working towards and accomplishing God’s goals, not our goals, unless our goals are aligned with His goals. How many of us actually do submit to God’s authority?
Jesus asks in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” IF you are a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, he has authority so do what He says. Receive His Word and commands; love Him, obey Him and pass the knowledge of the Lord on to others. We cannot self-govern; we need God’s governing of our lives. We need to change our mindset about authority. We are accountable to God. Do not avoid or run from His authority. We never have to worry about Almighty God because He is sovereign, His holy ways are just and good.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24, “In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” We have to go through a transformation to accept God’s authority. In John 3:3, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Holy Spirit regenerates the spirit, and transforms the heart. The conversion is a complete metamorphosis of the soul.
Pastor Herk gives us three structures for stability: (1) government, (2) family, and (3) the church. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Self-denial is difficult when self-gratification predominates life. Consciously, intentionally, knowingly, willfully and determinedly abstain from sin and selfish pride. Pick up your Cross, suffering for the mission of Christ. Activate it by living a missionary life of being a disciple and making disciples.
Be on mission and surrender all to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ position changes our position. As bond slaves and servants of Christ the King of kings with all authority in heaven and on earth, take action, be examples to others and bear witness of the Lord of lords.
In Christ, Brian
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