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Some
people find it easy enough to be Christians when it is convenient, doesn't
cost and makes no demands. The quality of our faith is only truly known
when it is tested. It's a question of priorities I suppose. Here Jesus
does not mince words but declares that putting anything or anyone before
him makes us unfit for the kingdom. The Christian faith makes demands
and sometimes I think we need a wake-up call on this issue.
In Mark 2:13-14 we see the calling of Matthew (Levi). Here is
a young man with a bright future in the Roman civil service, although
it made him unpopular with his neighbours. Still, the money is good
and the prospects favourable. When Jesus said, "Follow me", 'Levi got
up and followed him'. Sometimes the call of the Lord means a radical
change in lifestyle and a readiness to 'travel light' in regard to the
things of this world.
In Matthew 4:21-22 we witness the calling of those 'Sons of Thunder'
(Mark 3:17), James and John. Theirs was a family business as they fished
the waters of the Sea of Galilee. "They were in a boat with their father
Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they
left the boat and their father and followed him'. I have often wondered
what their father made of this. Sometimes the call of the Lord means
being misunderstood by those close to you, perhaps even 'leaving' them
in some ways simply because the road you now travel they no longer share.
In John 9 we have the story of a blind man given back his sight
by Jesus. Of course, because Jesus had healed him on the Sabbath there
simply had to be an inquisition (v.v.13-15). The poor man was caught
between a genuine experience of a healing touch from Jesus and the bitter
disapproval of the Pharisees (v.v.16-18) and his parents were called
in to account for him. His parents were really on the spot and they
knew it. Their son had indeed been born blind, and it was obvious that
he could now see. But beyond that they were not prepared to commit themselves
because it would have meant confrontation with the Pharisees and possible
excommunication (v.v.18-23).
The Pharisees summoned the man again and
charged him to denounce Jesus as a sinner for breaking the Sabbath.
His answer is such a plain and simple testimony:
"Whether he is a sinner or not I don't know.
One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (v.25)
The consequence of this simple testimony was immediate - he was thrown
out, probably excommunicated (v.v.26-34). Sometimes simply testifying
to the "one thing I do know" is enough to find yourself 'outside looking
in'. It can cost your social standing, your traditions, your preconceptions,
your most cherished ideas, and your most cherished friends. Are you
ready for all this?
Can you say with Paul, "Whatever was to my profit
I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider
everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Knowing Christ
Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (Philippians
3:7-8)
This week lets enjoy the good things God has blessed us with,
home, family, friends, church, job and security. But lets hold them
lightly so that when He calls we can readily let them go so as to take
a firmer hold on Him and all He has for us.
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