Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Discipleship

I was encouraged yesterday as I read an excerpt from Spangler and Tverberg in their book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. Writing about discipleship, speaking of Jesus, they said:

. . . the changes he worked in his disciples' lives did not come instantly or even easily. Our culture is fascinated with instant fixes and extreme makeovers . . . we chafe at the years it takes to train as an apprentice. But discipleship has always been about process.

While the Gospels record many instances of Jesus instantly healing people's illnesses, we know of not even one instance in which he simply waved his hand to immediately fix an ugly habit for one of his disciples. Instead, he simply kept teaching and correcting them, giving them time to grow.

God seems to work like this much of the time in our own lives. He lets our weaknesses and difficulties drive us to himself, keeping us close. Miracles happen, but he inner transformation we so desperately desire can only be achieve over time. God seems to prefer it this way, perhaps because he knows we can only become like him by maintaining a constant close connection.

I need that! I especially like the statement: "Discipleship has always been about process."



1 comment:

Jeff said...

I've got to get that book. Great stuff.