– Monday Muse –
Dear One, just look at this smiling face. He has not a care in the world. His world revolves around him, just as it should…in the beginning. Such beginnings help babes grow strong and confident. At this stage the little one has no idea that he will someday be in need of strength and confidence. If he did, he might not be smiling. So in the innocence of infancy he giggles and naps at will in sublime naïveté.
A similar naiveté often embodies the Christian when he first begins to engage with God. As he feeds on God’s Word, is guided by the Holy Spirit, and fervently prays – God becomes the center of his life. Life begins to take on the feeling of a new birth. In the innocence of infancy the Christian’s spiritual needs are satisfied in the Presence of His Holy Father. He mistakenly believes that being with God embraces the entirety of the Christian life. Oh sweet naiveté.
Little does he realize what God has in-store for him until, like a fledgling, God nudges him out of the nest. Shamelessly, he resists. God nudges harder, and flings him out. To his great surprise he lands on his feet – ready to serve God by serving His people – in ways he had never once imagined.
It is then that he realizes that the time God spends with him has a greater purpose than just his own comfort and joy. God’s intent is to teach him that he might teach others – just as Jesus did when he walked with the twelve disciples.
When the disciples received Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, they did. It was exciting, they were with Him for three years. And then, when it was time, Jesus may have said something like, “Now you lead.”
“What? Jesus, that’s your role.”
And perhaps Jesus answered, “Yes it is, but now it is yours as well.”
Jesus might have added, “You have learned enough to begin. You are now ready to help others become disciples. But be assured, I will be with you always…in the Spirit.”
Can you remember back, long, long ago, to the time when you did not have a care in the world…a time when you lived in sweet naiveté? What happened? You grew up.
You grow up too – in the faith. And when you become strong and confident…confident in God, He has waiting for you a place in His Great Commission. And to your amazement you find that it is a position for which you are now well prepared.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Blessings,
Susanne
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