Memorize: Emphasis on true discipleship
Key Verses: 3, 11, 18, 26, 27, 34
Sometimes we get hung up on a particular religious practice. Years ago I remember the debate over the place of modern songs in worship, whether you could sing something other than traditional hymns. In Jesus’ day the Sabbath Day had many rules attached to it, some prescribed in the Old Testament, some added to keep people away from breaking those prescribed rules. The rules became the focal point of the Sabbath, not the rest and fellowship with God and with one another. The Sabbath had become an excuse for self-exaltation. Jesus again turns things upside down. Humility is what the Kingdom values.
It is amazing the excuses that people use to cover up their unfaithfulness to God, to their spouses, to their children, to their employers. This is nothing new. Finger-pointing started with the first sin. We don’t like to accept responsibility for our choices. We want to pawn off our actions, creatively pointing fingers at someone else, while all the while knowing that we really are at fault.
We must have our priorities correct. If we are out to protect ourselves, we will be disappointed. Being a disciple is about death, death to self, death to my priorities and comfort. And we have to take time to consider the price we will pay before we enter into a relationship with God. It will cost us everything. If we have lost our ability to be genuine, we are like salt that has lost its essential role in life.
If we neglect our relationship with God, substitute some other something, we will end up being absolutely useless. We will fail at fulfilling our basic function in life. We were created to be in communion with God and enjoy our place in His Kingdom here on earth. We were designed to walk with Him in every moment of our days. We were made to reflect His image and likeness. If we don’t do these, nothing else matters. Our lives are meaningless.
REVIEW: Acts
The Arnold Journey 