Hitchhikers Along the Way

Yet again, I’ve been reminded there are no coincidences with God. For the past few weeks I’ve been studying The Ways of the Alongsider by Bill Mowry. I was doing my homework when I came across several questions addressing The Great Commission. Well, wouldn’t you know that today’s post is Matthew 28:16-20!

In the chapter titled: The Way of Intentionality, Mr. Mowry asks why Jesus placed an emphasis on making more disciples. My response:  Once we learn something, the goal is to pass on that knowledge. We need to share what we’ve learned with others, not keep it to ourselves.

Believing in salvation is great, but if we’re not sharing that with others, then do we really believe?Each of us is charged with following in Jesus’ footsteps while stopping to pick up others along the way. It’s almost like picking up a hitchhiker even though your Mom always tells you not to. Someone (non-believer) needs to get somewhere (to Jesus), but they don’t have the means (knowledge of Him). If we have what they need (relationship with Christ) then shouldn’t we stop and help them get where they need to be (Heaven)?

Now, I’m not saying I’d stop on 270 and pick up a random stranger, but maybe I should. I certainly would pick up a friend or relative if I saw them standing on the side of the road in need of help. And hopefully if I help them, they in turn will help others and the cycle will continue. The intent of Jesus’s words during the Great Commission was not to just convert a few people 2000 years ago, but to multiply the number of disciples again and again throughout time.

But something to keep in mind, is that unlike many of the original disciples, we’re not all called to travel long distances. What if I’m in prison or confined to a hospital bed. Does that mean I can’t make disciples? Surely not. Disciples can be made from a 6x8 cell just as surely as they can be made from the open road! (Just ask Paul.) The key is to be deliberate/purposeful when coming alongside others.

So, where/how is God calling you to make disciples? If you have the means, will you lead the way?

Christmas Party time

Paul's arrival in Jerusalem was cause for celebration and for getting together as family. These people were friends and brothers in faith. To get the party started, they went first to visit James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.

After greeting each other, sharing pertinent bits of their lives since last they met, they began to tell the story of what God was doing.

Acts 21:17-20 (MSG)
In Jerusalem, our friends, glad to see us, received us with open arms. The first thing next morning, we took Paul to see James. All the church leaders were there. After a time of greeting and small talk, Paul told the story, detail by detail, of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. They listened with delight and gave God the glory. They had a story to tell, too: "And just look at what's been happening here—thousands upon thousands of God-fearing Jews have become believers in Jesus! But there's also a problem because they are more zealous than ever in observing the laws of Moses.

When we share our story, a testimony of faith and obedience, we are telling the world the Good News.  And pointing to Jesus, our Savior, as the reason for our changed lives and, we give all the glory to God. We know that only God, who loves us, could have orchestrated such a changed heart. Looking back at my story, it is clear that God was working. They listened with delight and gave God the glory.

What's your story?  Have you shared it with someone who needs to hear of a loving and forgiving God? This is called Intentional Discipleship. When we go out of our way, stepping outside our comfort zone, and encouraging someone who has not yet seen the Light of the World. Christmas time is a good time to do this.

The Christmas Story is a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness.






Acts 21:17-26