Monthly Devotion - July 2024
BE THE DISCIPLE WHO WILL ALWAYS BE READY
" It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.” (Matthew 10:25a KJV)
In July-August we will think together about the importance of the task
of discipleship and shepherding in these end times. To be able to become
disciples of Christ who are always ready to wait for the second coming
of the Lord Jesus, we need to be processed to become the same as the Lord
Jesus (Matthew 10:25a) and need to be discipled and shepherded according
to the teachings of Christ (Matthew 28:20). If we truly love God, then
we are willing to obey and carry out all His commandments, because His
commandments are not heavy (1 John 5:3). Disciples who are willing to
be ready are basically students who are willing to be taught to do everything
that God has commanded. The word disciple in Matthew 28:19-20 is related
to the word teach or teaching in the English translation. The Lord Jesus
promised to always accompany His disciples who were willing to be taught
until the end of time. When the Israelites were freed from slavery in
Egypt on their way to the promised land they also had to pass through
the desert. During the day God walked with them in a pillar of cloud and
at night in a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:17-22). God intends to educate/teach
His people so that they do not become His followers who are weak, easily
defeated by the enemy, and fall into sin. The Israelites were educated
so they could become His holy people.
As His disciples, we are also taught by God for our good, even because
of His love, sometimes He needs to discipline His children. What for?
For our good and so that we may share in His holiness, for without holiness
no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Hebrews 12:10 says, “For
they disciplined us for a short time according to what seemed good to
them, but He disciplined us for our good, that we might share in His holiness.”
Being a disciple of Christ who wants to always be ready means that he
wants to always be His disciple who maintains holiness. At His coming,
He will appoint His holy disciples. And in Hebrews 12:5-9, there is advice
so that we do not take God's discipline lightly and do not despair if
we are corrected by Him. God disciplines us because He loves everyone
who has been accepted as His child, like a father who truly loves his
legitimate children, not "easy children" (illegitimate children).
So that every Christian can be sanctified to become a disciple who will
always be ready to welcome the second coming of Christ, there also needs
to be a factor of continuous mentoring for people who still need to be
guided until they can become spiritually mature (Ephesians 4:13).
In the Acts of the Apostles there is a story about Simon who was discipled.
In Acts. 8:13 says, "Simon himself also believed, and after being
baptized, he was always with Philip, and was amazed when he saw the great
signs and wonders that were taking place." After believing and being
baptized, Simon was always with Philip. The sentence "....always
together" (in Greek contains the word proskartereo) which in English
is translated as: to be earnest towards (must be serious about), be constantly
diligent (continuously -continuously diligent), to attend assiduously
all the exercises (attend diligently all the exercises), to adhere closely
to (as a servitor)/to obey closely (as a servant); attend (give self)
continually/present and give oneself continuously; continue (continue,
carry on), wait on continuously (wait continuously). All of these understandings
are very important in a continuous process of discipleship so that a disciple
can be increasingly prepared to welcome His coming if he is willing to
be educated, nurtured, corrected, and disciplined for his good. Amen!
By Pastor Silwanus Obadja M.Th.
...Monthly
Devotion - August 2024