October 25, 2009

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20

What does it mean to be a disciple? Jesus gives a clear call to His disciples to make disciples. So, it seems to me that this is a top priority of Jesus and we'd best consider it important as well.

For the past several days we have been examining the claims of discipleship. Fully devoted disciples put their faith in Jesus as evidenced by their faithful living. And, fully devoted disciples are those who fully follow Jesus above their families, their fortunes and their futures.

Ready for another criterion of a fully devoted disciple of Christ?

Disciples who are fully devoted are fearless. Well, not totally fearless. They fear God. They fear disobeying Him and disappointing Him. But beyond that, in fact, because of it they are fearless. Because they fear God they don't fear man.

How does that happen? If I have fear does that mean I am not a disciple? No, it just means you are not yet fully devoted.

Devoted to what?

Devoted to Christ's promises. His promise of power - "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me".... - and His promise of presence - "And surely I am with you always even to the end of the age."

Let me ask you something. If you have the power of Jesus and the presence of Jesus, what is there to be afraid of?

If you do a study of the disciples you can notice that the longer they followed Him, the more boldness and the less fear they displayed. In the events leading to the passion of Christ and during those fateful hours, we see fearful followers. In the hours following the crucifixion of Jesus we see fearful followers. Understandably.

But following the resurrection and following the ascencion of Jesus, we see an increasing boldness evidenced in their actions and attitudes.

Could it have to do with His promises of power and presence? I think so! It works for me! History records it worked for them.

Fully devoted disciples are convinced of His power and are committed to receiving it and living in it. Have you received His power? The power resides in His Spirit. Do you have His Spirit? It is not "a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind".

Fully devoted disciples are convinced of His presence. In His presence they "live and move and have their being". His presence is found in the Word, through obedience, through surrender to His Spirit, and in prayer.

Let me ask you again, if you have His power and His presence what is there to fear? The disciples became fully devoted to His power and His presence and became fearless. Their boldness transformed the world.

When Paul wrote to the Roman, "If God be for us, who can be against us" how do you think he knew that?

Hey, disciple of Jesus, how is your fear factor? Are you living in His power? Are you living in His presence?