My way

 

Luke 5:33-39

I was in a meeting with several other pastors. One of them began talking about someone they once knew from their church. What was impactful was that the pastor hadn't mentioned the congregant's name. And I had forgotten we both served the same church. As it turned out, who the pastor was speaking of is who came to my mind as the pastor's story unfolded. With great joy I remembered the person they were talking about. I could affirm everything said about that beloved saint. So much so, I've included a story about them in a sermon before. That saint is no longer with us. But their witness is. Who knows what people will choose to recall about us, either before we die or after. Hopefully, though, we'll have shown everyone enough of the love of God that it'd be impossible not to mention our faith in Jesus and his love. Disciples have reputations, after all. They always have. In the 18th century, calling someone Methodist implied they were too enthusiastic about their religion. That's not quite the reputation they tend to have today. But go back to even Jesus' disciples. In Luke 5, Pharisees question Jesus by questioning the witness of his disciples. John the Baptist's disciples and those of the Pharisees had a reputation for fasting and praying. Apparently, Jesus' disciples did not. The Lord used the occasion to emphasize the new thing God was doing through Jesus' life. The disciples were merely following the way Jesus opened for them. We like to preach and testify that Jesus is the way. That's great, but also remember Jesus is our way. Jesus is my way. If Jesus is who we profess him to be, then our lives must reflect who he is. His way of life must be our way of life. My way of life. Stay blessed...john