Tag Archives: discipleship

June 27
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Uncategorized Aside

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

God’s love for all of us is unconditional — particularly those who have no use for God.

The noted German pastor, Martin Niemoller (1982-1984) said: “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of my enemies. He is not even the enemy of His enemies.” The enemies of Niemoller’s reference were the Nazis. While he had good reason to hate Hitler and his ilk, Niemoller knew that for Christ’s sake, he had no excuse.

We must take to heart that if God chooses reconciliation with His enemies, we, too, must choose reconciliation with both our enemies and the enemies of God. 

Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians is a pointed reminder of God’s love for all persons; and our obligation to follow our heavenly Father’s example.  – Luther

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June 18
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Uncategorized Aside

“When Peter saw him (John), he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’” (John 21:21-22, NIV)

As disciples of Jesus, we each have an assignment to execute in God’s plan. 

It is humanly natural to compare, to contrast, and to compete — but such characteristics have no place in the fellowship of God’s people.  We who belong to God must — instead — strive to cooperate, to collaborate, and to cheer-on all others working with God; even if we don’t comprehend what it is they have been assigned by our common Lord.

If we don’t see it, what is that to us? We do see Jesus, and it is Him alone we must follow.

Anything else is a diversion, and anything less is a distraction.  Stay focused.  – Luther

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June 16
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Uncategorized Aside

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'” (John 21:15, NIV)

(This is a complex passage of scripture because its few words carry a number of number of applications. Today, we look at a second possible application.)

In the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion; and in the foggy days after the empty tomb, Peter and some of the other disciples had decided to return to their former lives as fishermen.  After all, a man’s got to eat.

Jesus’ question: “Do you love me more than these?”, also challenges our personal desire for security and affirmation. Peter and his fishing companions had seen more in the three years of Jesus’ public ministry than most people will ever see: The dead raised to life, the incurably ill restored to health, the Lord’s command of nature, and much more.  And there are God’s promises, of course, which they had either forgotten or ignored.

So they went back to fishing, because that was what they were comfortable doing; and, after all, a man’s got to eat.

Do we love Jesus more than all of the other things in this life that give us a sense of security and comfort, particularly when we know that He is calling us to do — and be — something else?  – Luther

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