Years ago when my children were much younger, our family spent the day together at the beach. Well, it was not all beach. Near the narrow stretch of sand a large rocky area stuck out into the water. Being the adventurer that I am, I wanted to explore the rocks. Perhaps, I would find some interesting fish or crabs hanging out there. My feet felt tender against the rocks. I thought nothing about my dangerous footing until I heard a yell behind me. One of my children, about three years old at the time, had, unbeknownst to me, followed me across the rocks. What was fairly safe for me, was quite dangerous for him. Repeatedly, parents are reminded that our children are natural followers. They watch us. They take in what they see. They mimic us. This is how they learn life, almost completely by imitation.
Discipleship is at its core imitation. Today students want to know what their teacher knows. In Jesus’ day, disciples wanted to become what their teacher was. So disciples watch every move. They follow every step afraid that they might miss a moment of insight or understanding. Soon they speak with the same words as the Rabbi. They learn his mannerisms. They want to be like him in every way. This is what Jesus was calling his disciples to when he said: Come, follow me.
This weekend our church begins a new eight-week study and community group cycle called Resonate. The concept of resonance is that sounds send forth vibrations that reverberate. Indeed, objects with sympathetic resonance pick up the vibrations and so magnify the original sound. We chose this image, as difficult as it might be to understand, because Jesus did not give his disciples a to-do list. He didn’t burden them with exercises to become holy. He said, I want you to learn me. “Become as I am.” Pick up who I am and become as I am. The Apostle John captured this very clearly and simply when he said:
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6
As one writer said: Discipleship is not about half measures. It involves perseverance, practice, dedication, and the readiness to learn. It means investing our passion, our talents, and our whole selves. But the rewards are beyond price. And the resultant journey is the most thrilling adventure we will ever experience.
Will you come along for the journey?
That whosoever... 