God takes drastic measures to prepare his people for the works he's prepared for them. As Christ's followers, we are his handiwork, his masterpiece, his workmanship. Our beautifully transformed lives are a demonstration of his work. We are proof that he is a masterful artist! He created us in Christ Jesus—which is to say he saved us to follow him--for the purpose of doing the good works he's prepared for us to do. Jesus saved Peter because he wanted to, but also because he'd prepared good … [Read more...]
Where to Find Courage to Continue Following Jesus
How Does Jesus Give Us the Courage to Continue Following? Jesus did not promise that following him would be a walk in the park, but he did say that he would always be with us and would show himself to us along the way. Now, I'll be honest. On some days, that sounds like a consolation prize. Like maybe we thought following Jesus would make things easy and fun, but it turns out we only get the promise that he will be with us and "show himself to us." Jesus Shows Himself to … [Read more...]
How Does Jesus Prepare Us to Continue Following?
In a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson talks about the difference between being a tourist and a pilgrim as you follow Jesus. Tourists like highlights and quick inspiration. Pilgrims, on the other hand, "spend [their] lives going some place."* As followers of Jesus, we are going to God, and Jesus is the way (see John 14:6). But it's not a quick flight. It's "a long obedience in the same direction." As we walk with him, we may stumble over failure or jump into … [Read more...]
Why Does Jesus Want Followers Who Fail?
In his book, Inexpressible, Michael Card explores the multifaceted definition of the Hebrew word for God's grace or loving-kindness. In Hebrew, it's hesed. Card says God's hesed "has an over-the-top quality about it." After ten years of studying the 169 words and phrases used to translate hesed, Card defines it this way: "Hesed: When the one from whom you have the right to expect nothing gives you everything." Grace is what Jesus offers us when he invites us to follow him. Grace is what he … [Read more...]
What Does Jesus Do for Followers Who Fail?
I was watching Olympic track events in 2021 when, in one evening, two British runners were disqualified for false starts. Normally athletes train for four years before their Olympic performance. This year, because of the pandemic, they had five! And in a split second, the runner does what he's not supposed to do, and it's all over. There's no mulligan or just joking or "Can I get a do-over?" He's just done and disqualified. And I'm just betting that's how Peter felt after Jesus died. In … [Read more...]
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