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Our faith and belief in the Living Lord Jesus is a gift granted through the grace of God. It was made known to us through the teachings of Christ and by His disciples who carried the Gospel around the world. The list of individuals involved in executing God’s plan to redeem His children would fill countless pages and span across thousands of years. Some of those we would record are introduced in the Bible and honored as disciples who gave their lives in fulfilling the ministry of Christ. But God’s plan is not exclusive to a few but designed for universal engagement with a role in discipleship for everyone.

There is a common misconception that discipleship is a special calling that may include visions, lighting, angels, or burning bushes. I recount the words I heard years ago from an acquaintance, “Well I know that I’m Christian but I have never experienced the call to discipleship or the ministry.” Today we acknowledge a world-wide assembly of Christians with each recognized as a disciple for Christ. Everyone is called and each person who accepts reflects a single attribute.

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32.

We are all proclaimed disciples through our faith in, and commitment to, Jesus and His teachings. Discipleship is living the example of Christ and loving the Father. Let’s consider two early faithful individuals who were sent by God to witness and proclaim the coming of the Messiah.

Luke writes of Mary and Joseph traveling to the Temple in Jerusalem for the dedication of Jesus as defined under Jewish law. The elder Simeon greeted them as they entered and immediately recognized the Christ Child. Luke describes Simeon as a righteous and dedicated soul who received a message from the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. Simeon proclaimed, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”1

As Simeon handed the child back into the arms of Mary, Anna, a frail elderly women approached with welcomed arms raised and a broad expression of joy.

At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38.

Anna’s life was dedicated to serving the Father. Theologians deduce from Luke’s brief reference that this righteous minister and prophetess was living inside the Temple’s outer perimeter wall  in a small dwelling typically reserved for traveling rabbis. Her home on the Temple grounds was counter to a male-oriented rabbi and administrative culture of the Jewish faith. She was estimated to be over a 100 years old and widowed in her early twenties. She had been a  teacher and minister to women for over 80 years and known for her constant prayer and fasting.2 Both Simeon and Anna lived faithfully and proclaimed the arrival of Christ. Anna immediately began to witness to every one of the arrival of the Redeemer and the Messiah. Brennen Manning once wrote, “What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness.” 

Peter offers encouragement in faithfulness as the cornerstone of discipleship.

5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with excellence, and excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance,  and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is blind, suffering from eye disease, forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Our Lenten journey doesn’t end with Easter but reflects a renewal in our commitment to love the Lord and faithfully follow His teachings. Discipleship is not a certificate or a degree we hang on the wall but a component of faithful living. Jesus invites us to rejoice in His truth, witness to His grace, and serve as disciples of the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Jesus, we pray you will reside with us in each moment of the day guiding our decisions. This Lenten season renew our commitment to live faithfully, love the Father, and serve God’s children in our home, church, and neighborhood. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

1 Luke 2:29-32.

2 Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, by John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson Publisher, 2005.

 

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.