Celebrate Recovery Blog

Do you know what I have been noticing more and more about the disciples of Jesus Christ?  They were very...  human. 

I have been reading the Gospels and find myself quite underwhelmed at the performance of these 12 men.  Not that I could have done any better, but these guys doubted, they stumbled, they bumbled, they took one step forward and two steps back.  Peter was rebuked, Thomas was reprimanded; they were all of them reproached for their lack of faith, their pride, their apathy…

However, these disciples were elevated to a place of honor as chief ministers of Christ’s new covenant; and in fact, in Matthew 19:28 Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

There are, it seems, many reasons the disciples were granted the grace to fulfill this special calling.  However, there is one specifically glaring factor I want to focus on today. 

The truth is that even though the Bible records the sad and frustrating history of how the disciples flopped, failed, and faltered- the Word also details a core discipleship that simply kept on following.  Whether they ran close beside Jesus with heads held high, or whether they crept along behind in the shadows, dragging their feet with heads hung low- they kept on following.

I want to encourage you today to simply keep on following… just keep showing up.  Sometimes it's all you have the courage, strength, and fortitude to do- and many times it's more than enough.

James 4:8 states, "Come near to God and he will come near to you."

Jesus is looking for disciples, not for heroes, not for supermen, not for trailblazers, prize fighters, or generals.  Can you humble yourself to the place of “followship”?  Can you take a backseat to others?  Can you hold your tongue, endure criticism, accept discipline, chastisement, rebuke… and then keep on following?  

God bless you as you are challenged, and as you challenge others in your ministry and calling in Celebrate Recovery to embrace Christian FOLLOWSHIP!

-john