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In the third week of the Lenten series, we continue the review of the conversion of twelve ordinary people to a life of service, witness, and discipleship. Lent is an opportunity to recommit to our faith journey declaring to all, “Jesus is the light of the world” and “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it”.1 We prayerfully open our hearts to a spiritual transformation in pursuit of discipleship and service to the Risen Lord.

We voice our prayers to convert the efforts of our days to bear the fruits of faith serving our Lord Jesus. A commitment to be a disciple of Jesus doesn’t come with a complete set of skills or the instant wisdom to convert others to Christ. As ordinary people, we are called to a spiritual journey led by the Holy Spirit (the Living Lord Jesus) founded in a pure heart that loves and seeks the Lord. Representing a measure of everyday humanity, we are molded bit by bit into a dedicated follower of Christ fashioned to serve God’s children.

For many years we tent camped as a family across South Carolina equipped with mountains of gear and food appearing as if we were set for months in the wilderness rather than a weekend  on the lake. I look back and laugh at the complexity of the extensive gear based on a self-founded independence. I find fierce independence as a notable pioneer attribute but lacking in achieving spiritual maturity. The conversion to discipleship is based on trust and dependence in God and a willingness to commit to a spiritual expedition of learning, change, and transformation.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

By humbly recognizing and presenting our weaknesses, we openly accept the aid of the Holy Spirit. We allow Jesus to work through our best efforts in finding effective discipleship. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when our failings and weaknesses are painfully obvious and when we are at a loss in finding our next steps.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26.

Let’s consider the example of the dramatic transformation of John, a fisherman working on the Sea of Galilee for his father Zebedee, into a disciple of Christ. John was recruited by Jesus and named as one of the two Sons of Thunder (brothers James and John). He recognized his attributes of passion, zeal, and personal drive but also knew his limitations suggested by his brashness, inflexibility, and aggressive nature.2 Yet this ordinary person was chosen to witness to the transfiguration of Jesus, and trusted by Christ to care for His mother, Mary. John was selected to learn and serve within the inner circle of disciples and ultimately developed into a powerful leader of the early church. John’s makeover from fisherman to disciple originated through the teachings, grace, and presence of Jesus on earth as a man and then emanated through the attendance of the Holy Spirit over his lifetime.

The evolution of John is dramatic from the brash and aggressive young man to the disciple known as the Apostle of Love. John’s example and words teach us that his journey to Christian maturity was vested in an understanding and acceptance of the importance of the balance of  truth and love. God’s truths are constant and forever, but we aid and assist people in understanding and accepting the love of our Lord through compassion, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.3

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever  been God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 4:7-12.

Lent represents another leg in our faith journey granting a moment of reflection and an opportunity to renew our efforts, refocus on our ministry, and ask for further directions from the Father. As Billy Joe Shaver once wrote, “I’m just an old chunk of coal but I’m going to be a diamond someday.”4 How is the Holy Spirit changing you?

Prayer: Jesus, we seek your grace and presence in our lives. We pray for the willingness to open our hearts to a spiritual renewal drafted by the Holy Spirit. We humbly recognize our weaknesses and faults seeking Your guidance and presence in our journey of discipleship. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus who died so we might live. Amen.

1 John 1:5.

2 Twelve Ordinary Men, by John MacArthur, Nelson Books, 2007.
3 2 John 1:3.
4 "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be a Diamond Someday)"song written and originally recorded by Billy Joe Shaver, 1980.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.