Hebrews 4:12
Every now and then I come across a passage that God uses to correct my behavior or point me to a deeper relationship with Jesus. My daily devotions allow God to orchestrate passages and circumstances to teach me new things about Himself or develop a deeper faith. I started this adventure of devotions by reading through the bible in a year during Junior High School.
One of the first passages He put into my life when I first started doing devotions in Junior Highschool was one I have been able to share more and more this summer. While I have not preached on it yet, maybe next year I will share my thoughts in a sermon. The passage that God used to confront me was Matthew 28:16-20.
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This passage has challenged me through my whole life in many different ways. Hebrew’s 4:12 reminds us of God’s active work through the word:
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Every time I re-read Matthew 28:16-20 I am challenged and feel the call to adventure. Following Jesus means that we leave where we are and go where He directs us. We spend our days meeting Him and worshipping Him, anticipating what He would do next. Our call is to make disciples wherever we go, being obedient to God’s commands.
This passage calls me to be a better follower of God in every area of my life, to join in with His plans of making disciples. Starting with me, God is making me a better disciple and while I don’t have all the answers, I know that I can teach people what little, or much, I know to be better disciples as well. The best thing of being a disciple of Jesus is that we do not go on the path alone.
God’s call is to obedience; He desires for us to follow Him and make disciples as we do it. Who are you discipling? How is your following? Are you being obedient to Him? Do you need to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him? Is His word transforming you into a better disciple? If you are longing for deeper relationship with God, ask Him to lead you into it.