Element Church Insider

Check out my latest post HERE with links to the other posts in the series.  I’ve loved doing this series, reflecting on what I’ve learned about the Call…specifically things I’ve learned from my dad.  In honor of Father’s Day, I’ve dedicated this series to Him.

#5  The Call is UNBELIEVABLE

I’ve said some pretty strong and seemingly negative things about the Call this week.  I want to be VERY clear.   Following the Call of God  is UNBELIEVABLE! I don’t know another word to describe it.  I cannot imaging doing ANYTHING else.  NOTHING for me could replace what I’m doing now.  NOTHING!

You know what I saw and still see in my dad?  UNBELIEVABLE joy.  Seeing people saved from sin.  Seeing believers surrender there all to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Seeing addictions broken.  Families restored.  Prodigals come home.  Marriages healed.  It’s is unbelievable.  The move and work of God NEVER ceases to amaze me and I KNOW it is what fueled my dad.  He preached it, lived it and saw it happen in peoples lives.  LIFE CHANGE brings joy from the call.

UNBELIEVABLE friendships.  The closest friends my dad has are from following the Call.  A brotherhood was born out of following the Call.  There are men in my dad’s life from DECADES ago that still mean the world to him.  There will be an AMAZING reunion in Heaven one day of  the friendships, once again being reunited, all born out of the Call.  I don’t take for granted in my life the relationships the Call has given me, because of what they’ve given my dad.

UNBELIEVABLE peace.  The center of God’s will is not always the safest place to be, but it’s always the BEST!  If my dad didn’t have peace he hid it well.  As a little boy, a young man, and a grown adult, it sure seems he’s had peace in the midst of chaos at times.  I think it is due in some part to KNOWING he was following the Call.  In the CENTER of God’s will.

UNBELIEVABLE God.  God was real to my dad.  My dad believed in what God could do.  He believed in an UNBELIEVABLE God.  He knew that SOMEHOW God would work it all out, regardless of what He was asking our family to do or where He was asking us to go.

Dad, I can truly say that as one of your three children, we are able to follow you as you follow Christ.  I hope my children can say the same some day.  Your example to us of what it means to follow the Call of God, I believe, will span generations to come.  I love you.  Happy Father’s Day.

Following dad as he follows Christ,

Jeff

Matthew 20: Exemplar

Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the exact representation of who God is.  In that case What does Jesus show?  Here in Matthew 20 I am reminded that Jesus is OUR exampler.  He is an EXEMPLAR.  He is our model.  Our lead.  Our goal.  What HE did we should also strive to do.  Jesus calls the disciples on this issue here in Matthew 20.

Matthew 20:28 says ²⁸ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The disciples were disputing over who would get seats of honor in Jesus’ Kingdom.  James and John’s mom actually asked Jesus for her boys if they could have those seats.  One on His right and the other on His left.  The other disciples heard the question and were furious.  SO, Jesus took the opportunity to be an EXEMPLAR.

“I’m not even here for honor.  Why are YOU?”  “THIS life of mine is not about seats on the right or left, IT IS ABOUT SERVING!”  “If you want to be great in My Kingdom, then become the least”.

Over and over again in Jesus’ ministry we see Him as an EXEMPLAR.

What is Jesus challenging YOU with that He lead the way on?  What areas of your life have you ignored Jesus’ example?  Where do you need to become least in or order to serve God’s Kingdom?

Following Christ,

Jeff