Jesus said to his disciples – Come follow me
I wonder what went through the disciples minds as Jesus said this to them? What does he mean? Are we going for a walk round the lake? Or was it something more that he had in mind? But what did he mean?
Little did they know at that stage that it would be a 3 year roller coaster. There were high times when they saw the miracles. There were low times when they encountered opposition. Let’s see what this three years involved!
1. It was a life of community and fellowship. Jesus called twelve disciples. They became an inner circle of people who heard from the lips of Jesus such powerful words. Words of hope, words of the kingdom, words which made them think of eternal values. He spent so much time with them. They got to know him so well in that time.
2.It was a life of adventure. How could they ever forget the time when Jesus stilled the storm, the time when Peter walked on water, the times when deaf, blind and dumb were healed. The day he rode into Jerusalem with great crowds shouting for him. That was so exciting for them.
3. It was a life of sorrow. After that ride into Jerusalem things took on a nasty turn. Religious leaders in the country began to make life difficult for him. This culminated in the religious leaders of the day plotting to kill him. This was a totally new experience for them. They went through the days of what we call Holy Week with questioning uncertainty. What was happening? They watched as he answered questions, they watched when he was arrested, they watched as he went through a mock trial. Horrible days but worse was to come. He was sentenced to the most horrific death a person could have – crucifixion. What sorrow and confusion they must have gone through their minds as they watched him die. Three wasted years? The end of a dream? What happens now?
4. A life of joy. The amazing resurrection day was something totally beyond
their experience. There is a lovely phrase in the gospels where we are told “they believed not for joy” or as one paraphrase put it “it was too good to be true”. What a glorious day. A day in which though still puzzled, they realised that the saviour they served was all powerful and could defeat the powers of death. Wow what experience was this? Joy ran through their souls as they said in wonder HE IS ALIVE.
That was not the end of the story – He had called them for a purpose and that purpose was to fulfilled through them in the coming of the Holy Spirit as they witnessed to the good news. What remarkable days but even in that following Jesus was a life of pain. The disciples were called upon to die for their faith. The call had been given and they had responded.
Does that sound familiar? Think back to the day you heard him say “Follow me”. He called you to a life of following him. For many of us that has not been easy. There have been roller coaster experiences. Perhaps as you reflect on them today you look back, like me, with great gratitude. God has been so good. Fellowship with him has been so very precious. We have known His guidance, His strength and help on so many occasions. He has been so faithful and so very good.
I am 86 now and I vividly remember the story of another 86 year old who was martyred for his faith. Polycarp was a leader in the church who was given the chance to deny his faith or be executed. I shall never forget his words.
Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?
Polycarp had followed like the disciples. May we follow their example. He called we followed – I wonder what He has in store in this new year? One thing we can be sure of He continue to have good purposes for us.
Ken Blackwell, NISCU supporter, Garstang
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