In Luke 2:49(b) (KJV) we find the first recorded words of Jesus in the Bible: “… How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” And in John 19:30(b) (KJV) we find His last recorded words prior to His death: “… It is finished …” These two verses completely encapsulate the life of Jesus. He came on business for His Father and He did not allow anything or anybody to detract or prevent Him from finishing His assignment completely and timely. (Stop and reread that last sentence.) As Jesus began His public ministry He began to call (or enlist) disciples to help Him. When He called the fishermen in Matthew 4:19-20(KJV) He said, “… Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” When He called the tax-collector in Matthew 9:9(KJV) He said, “… Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” And in Matthew 16:24(KJV) He tells His disciples, “… If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” All through the Bible Jesus never strayed from the business He came to accomplish. And as He traveled from the temple, where as a child He taught the elders, to Calvary, where He gave His life for the redemption of humanity, as He enlisted disciples, His call to service never really changed. “Follow Me” was always His instruction. I think there is a great Spiritual truth that as Christians we have lost sight of. As Jesus called each of His followers, never did He tell them that what they were doing was pretty important stuff and that He would adjust His business, His needs, and His requirements to accommodate their careers and families. Nope! He never lowered His standard when He called a disciple. That standard was, is, and always will be for total abandon and surrender by the follower to the will of Jesus. The call was never I want to join you. It was always you join Me! The call to follow Jesus means no neutrality on the part of the follower. Neutrality empowers the oppressor. In Matthew 12:30(KJV) Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” He removed any hint of neutrality or nominal discipleship. Christianity is a lifetime commitment to live our lives 100% for Him. Sadly, we have lived to see the day when many churches have turned from lighthouses to landmarks. Instead of operating in the power of the Holy Spirit many churches are operating from a bucket full of memories. Sadly, in my opinion, churches today are producing more atheists than Christians. Why? Because we have changed God’s standards for Christianity and the church – to our standards. We have compromised. Disagree? Then explain to me why the Presbyterian Church USA now validates homosexuality and the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Georgia couldn’t muster a 2/3rd vote to withdraw from the denomination? And no! I am not just casting stones at the Presbyterians. We Southern Baptists have plenty to answer for too! But herein is the truth. We are where we are today because we have stopped “joining Him” and are expecting Him to “join us.” The only problem with that is – it doesn’t work that way! God help us! Brother Aaron To schedule Brother Aaron to preach a Sunday service at your church, a revival meeting, or a special event, you may contact him at: 1-800-511-9536, 706-302.9162, or e-mail: freshfire@mindspring.com
