DISCIPLESHIP FUELED BY JOY
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
If you’ve been part of a bible study, you’ve probably heard the Bible study formula of ‘who, what, when, where, why’ when dissecting a passage. This method is respected across the board and I use it myself.
However I contend that it’s just preliminary to the important things that follow. There’s more to study than getting the facts of a passage down. When those five questions are answered, it’s not time to shut my Bible and consider my time with God finished. What happens next will determine if I get to know and love God, enjoy God, and emerge as a passionate worshipper.
Unless bible study and meditation leads to ~ “Lord, what does this mean for me? What do you want to show me about Yourself? What do I need to understand about myself now that I’ve looked in the mirror of Your Word? What part of my heart needs to come alive that is presently shut down? “
The Word of God is meant to fuel joyful discipleship. Walking in obedience out of duty, rather than joy, will wear thin and fizzle out. And, more importantly, it is displeasing to God. How far back did He plead with His people to stop making sacrifices out of duty while their hearts remained cold. Obedience outside of relationship is grievous to the God who loves us and will not withstand trials and tribulations. We may grit our teeth to persevere but we will probably end up resenting God for expecting so much of us. We will see Him like a drill sergeant whose harsh commands from basic training ring in our ears. He’s perceived as an authority, someone to fear, but certainly not a friend.
Jesus learned obedience within the parameters of an joyful relationship with His Father. How can we know that? Because of His personal history within the trinity. Their existence as triune was characterized as a perfectly choreographed dance. The synergism was electric. Everything Jesus enjoyed as part of the Trinity, and as incarnate, can and should be mine.
Oh Father, Sometimes I am more numbed out than alive to You, more driven by should’s than want to’s. Invade my heart with Your presence and turn apathy to joy. Amen
Copyright Christine Inc.
Find more info at: www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Friday, 12 July 2019.
SHARE
