Follow

Isn’t a Christian supposed to be “aw shucks” humble? Aren’t believers meant to hide in a corner and not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing? Aren’t believers expected to refrain from showing off? Not according to Jesus.

Mary was the first person to receive Jesus on his terms. Many people want Jesus to come and meet their needs, fix their problems, and heal their hurts. Their expectations are centered around what Jesus can do for them. Mary was different. Check out her response to the angel Gabriel, who told her she would have a child.

The message of the gospel is a message of grace, hope, and transformation. The power of the gospel stops a person in their tracks, causes them to realize their sin, and turns them to God. The gospel is not about being born into a Christian home, going through catechism, attending church, or being a good moral person. It is about life transformation.

For those who follow hard after Christ, things are (or should be) different. It really is not about us. Really, it’s not. Our lives should be like a mirror—not absorbing but reflecting the glory of God.

The religious leaders were offended that Jesus was having a meal with hated tax collectors. But they were not the only ones upset. The disciples of John the Baptist wondered why they had to fast while Jesus feasted. Jesus answered their question by likening himself to a bridegroom at a wedding celebration. 

Our Sin-Bearer paid the penalty for every morsel of juicy gossip, every white lie, every murder, and every despicable action of man. And when we trust in Jesus’ death as our own, he throws our sin into the depth of the sea. He puts it behind his back. The God with perfect memory chooses to remember our sin no more. Forgiveness is love in action! 

So, follow hard after God! Dream big dreams for him! Make big plans! God is more than capable of turning our desires in his direction.

Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. Look around you. And get involved in the work of the Lord in the lives of others.

When I understand and accept that I am a part of God’s story, I will not spend my life working for food that spoils. Instead, I will invest in eternal things because I know God’s story is an eternal one.