THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:15-18
“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” (John 18:17)
There have been times when I was uncomfortable to say I was a christian.
My struggle is not with being connected with Jesus… but with the ‘church’.
The institutional church has too often misrepresented Jesus to the world.
I do not stand with the church’s Jesus; I stand with the gospel’s Jesus!
I wish I could say that these were the same thing.
Throughout history Satan, succeeded in deflecting the church from Jesus.
People who confessed ‘Lord, Lord’, yet didn’t do what He said (Matthew 7:21-23).
The name ‘christian’ has become associated with abuse and oppression.
This is why I prefer the name ‘Jesus follower’ over ‘christian’.
I am glad to tell people that I am devoted to Jesus as His disciple.
I love what Jesus stands for, what He did, and what He calls us to do.
I am not like Jesus myself but I want to be, and I don’t mind telling others.
I am eager to gather with other Jesus followers, the real ‘ekklesia’.
Yes, I am one of this man’s disciples… are you?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I’m not embarrassed by You, but I am embarrassed by the institutional church. Yet I love church people, and want for them what I want for myself, that we would know and follow You!
Being a disciple of Jesus wherever you are is a challenge. The one disciple used his position to gain entry and helped Peter come into the courtyard. Peter, when confronted denied His Master.
I too have denied Him in past. I should have stepped to the plate but didn’t – I withdrew to the background. I need to stand up for Jesus all the time being lead by His Spirit. Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me each day. Help me each day Lord to walk in Your SonShine. He enables. He equips. Dress yourself in His armour each day anew.
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.