Like I said in the second publication of this topic, that to become a Christian is to receive the Holy Spirit, to begin dying to a self-contended, life and rising to one centered in Christ.
In this third series of the topic above, we are going to discuss on the sub-topic that says:
The Call to Discipleship
Jesus said to them, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mk. 1:17). Our crucified, and Risen Lord must call and lead the way. He grants us His Spirit, gives us His example, and sets us on the road-but we must respond by following.
It is like a father leading through a desert sandstorm. The father trudges just ahead and the child follows by placing his feet in the footprints made by his dad. Were the father not going ahead, but only setting an example, the small child would lose his way and never make it. The child, however, must follow his father and take the stapes if he is to arrive home safely. His active involvement though secondary – is essential.
(1)The Gift of Jesus Call
Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, “Follow me” and immediately he rose and followed Him (Mtt. 9:9) Matthew wasn’t worthy of this call, he was a tax collector, one of the least respected occupations of Jesus day. Most people wouldn’t associate with such, but Jesus drew near in love and said “Follow me.” He graciously calls even such people, like Matthew, like you and me.
Jesus call to discipleship comes as a gift from God himself. Jesus calls us because God wills to be our God and intends that we become His people (Jer. 31:33). “Come to me all who labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly, in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Mtt. 11:29-30). The call to discipleship is an invitation to come to Jesus Christ to “abide” in Him (Jn. 15:4), to receive His presence, and power and forgiveness. In these senses – and these only – the yoke of obedience is easy, the burden light.
Matthew the tax collector had been living a sinful life, not searching after God, but heading full speed in the wrong direction. He had done nothing to prepare for Jesus call – but God’s grace struck home – and Matthew rose and followed.
The Bible does not record the stories of Jesus calling of His disciples to provide data about the past, but to suggest that even now the Risen Lord takes the initiative, calls disciples. Discipleship begins as the living God works a miracle by setting us in fellowship with Himself. Jesus taught that entrance into God’s kingdom is a divine gift for which we have cause to be grateful. “With (people) this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mtt. 19:25-26).
(2)The Call To Follow
There is nothing in the accounts of the calling of the disciples, to suggest an interval between the time they first believed in Christ and when they began to obey. Matthew immediately, rose and followed, and the fishermen by the lake immediately left their nets. Following Christ is an aspect of believing in Him.
There is no such things as an inner call from God that doesn’t at once result in outward obedience because God claims more than a pious corner of our hearts. “Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.” Faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.
Jesus says, “Follow me,” Jesus call at once brings a “falling-out” with ourselves, leading to self-denial (Mk. 8:34). When Christ calls He bids us to come and die – for only as we turn aside from our own selfish wills can we begin to serve Christ.
To get married is a gift to be received with joy and gratitude, but the moment a bride and bridegroom become husband and wife they assume responsibilities. Likewise, the instant we receive God’s call, we become accountably to Him. Faith directly issues in personal faithfulness to Christ or is fraudulent. Jesus warns against calling Him “Lord, Lord” while refusing to do what He commands. (Mtt. 7:21, Luk. 6:46-49).
(3)Total and Specific Obedience
Jesus demands radical and total obedience. Every thought is to be brought into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:15), every decision made before Him. No conditions are to be offered, a limited, readiness to follow is no readiness. “A man once said to Jesus, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first go and say farewell to those at my house” (Luk. 9:61). Jesus had a stern reply to those who would delay or offer conditional obedience. “No one who puts his hands to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luk. 9:62).”
To become a disciple involves more than hearing Christ’s call and deciding to follow in total obedience. We must take that first step – which may be the hardest. Christ claims us at the specific point where we are resisting Him. Jesus knows that the rich young man’s wealth stood in the way. Se He said to him, “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor and come, follow me.” (Mtt. 19:21). Christ demands total obedience by requiring specific obedience.
The call to discipleship means many things today. It involves breaking loose from the herd morality that is so popular, “everyone” is doing, something – drugs, sex, booze, giving and receiving bribes, lying, cheating, stealing – is no excuse for us to join in. what constitutes loyalty to Christ cannot be determined by opinion surveys.
To follow Christ is to allow Him tear down and to reformulate our vocational plans (Mk. 1:16-20). Discipleship may require leaving a promising future to pursue one humanly less advantageous, profitable, and pleasant – but that is God’s will.
The call to discipleship is a gift for it is given by God. The call to discipleship is also a claim, for God calls us to follow Christ. And the call to discipleship is a very specific claim because God summons us at the point of our greatest resistance.
No one can tell you exactly what God demands of your life – but God can. One thing is certain: God’s challenge is more radical than we imagine. We sinners try to tame and domesticate God, make His ways easier and more comfortable. We attempt to pull Him down to our level, rather than allowing Him to lift us toward His.
God won’t have things our way. Now, as in the days of old, Christ calls and we find, we absolutely must obey.
