My Yoke Is: Questions

I am writing this post because a friend asked me to flush out some things in my last post. I thought it would be helpful to do that here so that, if others would like to, they can view my answers. 

1) Who is a disciple? Aren't all believers disciples?

The word 'disciple' as it is used in the New Testament, means learner (Mt 10:24; Jn 18:16; Acts 9:26). In a broad sense every image bearer of God is a disciple--we are all learners of something. Peter, James, John and  Andrew were fishermen and learners of their trade, the Pharisees were learners of religion, etc. We cannot help but learn, simply because we bear the image of God. Jesus mission in calling his disciples was to make them learners and followers of Him.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:18-19 ESV

It's the fall that ruins God's original intention for discipleship--that we be learners and followers of Him. As a consequence of the fall, we are learners of our trade, culture, the media, etc. Jesus mission in calling His disciples (and us as well) was to show them God's original intention for their life as a disciple. Because Jesus--the God Man--was the image of the invisible God, he was perfectly equipped to model what it looked like to be truly human, and thus, a true disciple and follower of His Father. 

Before Jesus approached Peter and Andrew, they were disciples. During the disciples three years with Jesus, they were disciples. We shouldn't assume that the moment these men began to follow Jesus that they were regenerate believers in their Messiah. Somewhere during those three years their hearts were regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, and they became Believers as well as disciples of Christ, but from the moment they dropped their nets at the Sea of Galilee they were disciples (of Christ).

Just to reiterate--all image bearers of God are disciples of something. It is the Christian's mission and responsibility and the work of the Gospel to make disciples of Christ who build the entirety of their life around their Savior, God, and King.

2) Is discipleship (as we understand and practice it, coffee shops, one on ones, etc.) our responsibility? I ask because if we're called to make disciples, once they become disciples, does the role of discipleship then become to role of the elder?

Discipleship is the work of showing, and teaching others, through relationship, how the Gospel applies to every area of life and effectually makes them more like their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. It always our responsibility! If we believe the Jesus' commission in Matthew 28, then it is our duty to make disciples if we are to be obedient to our Creator and live lives worthy of the Gospel.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20 ESV

Consider the previous idea that 'all image bearers of God are disciples of something'. What then is the responsibility of the believer? To make disciples of Christ. The mission of making disciples is done in the relationships we have with those who know Jesus and those who do not know Jesus. Consider the fact that the followers of Jesus may not of even known that they were being "discipled" by Christ. They were following Him, and watching Him, and learning from Him, and in doing this their hearts were increasingly attracted to Him to the point that many gave their lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the one they had followed for three years. They were always disciples, even before they were believers in the Gospel.


In light of that, the better question might be: Once they become a believer isn't the responsibility of discipleship that of an elder/pastor?


My answer to that would be, yes and no. The work of the pastor is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (of making disciples).

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:10-16 ESV

It is the pastor's job to make disciples himself and to equip the flock of God with necessary teaching and care so that they too are able to make disciples who make disciples. We would be disobedient to the call of the Great Commission if we discipled someone, they came to faith in Christ, and then we "passed them off" to the pastor. If we believe that discipleship is done in and through transparent relationship then we would simply be being a bad friend and brother if we left the work of making a disciple once they became believers in Jesus. Jesus is a perfect friend and brother who never leaves those whom He is in relationship with (Prv 18:24). Abandoning a relationship with someone at the point of conversion so that the pastor can "take over" would be the opposite of what God has called us to. Practically speaking, if we believe that discipleship is done through relationship, than it would not be the most helpful way to love your pastor; imagine if it were every pastor's responsibility to have a close relationship with everyone in their church once they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Not only is that impossible, but it's a great way to ruin a marriage and torpedo a ministry. The pastor's job is to make disciples and to equip the saints to make disciples themselves. 


If we believe that we are always "being saved"  as Paul writes (1 Cor 1:18, 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) than the mission of making disciples is never over for the believer. Just as the work of the Gospel in the heart of the believer is continual and constant, so are our relationships. Granted, some discipleship relationships last our entire lives while others only last for a season, sometimes we may disciple someone and never see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus (Judas comes to mind), but the work of discipleship is never finished.  


In terms of qualification and responsibility, the only thing that seems to separate an elder from any other believer is the desire to be an elder (1 Tim 3:1), and the ability to teach and shepherd the flock of God. Every other quality that should characterize an elder should also be the character of every other believer and disciple of Christ. If this is true, than it is the pastor's and "the laymen's" responsibility to make disciples of Jesus Christ. 


There is certainly more I could say on this, but I simply wanted to try my best to thoroughly answer the two questions that were asked. I hope my response has been helpful, and I am more than open to rebuke, wisdom, and more questions if you have them.

My Yoke Is Easy

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:18-20

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:27-30

I've been lovingly impressed by Jesus' words in Matthew 11 in light of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). As believers, we've been given the task of making disciples; this is often called discipleship. Through the history of the American church (the only one I've ever been a "part of") we've dressed it many different outfits: small groups, one-on-one coffee shop meetings, and book studies. All of these are good, but I fear that too often we place this burden of performance on ourselves labeled discipleship. 

Typically, we are faithful to our small group, one-on-one meetings, and book studies for a stretch of time and then. . .we're not. As a result, disappointment and a feeling of not measuring up to the task settle in. "I'm supposed to be a disciple. I'm supposed to be pouring into others," we clamor to ourselves. If you're pattern is anything like mine has been, then you'll carry this around until something new comes along, be faithful to that, and then. . .you won't be--repeat shame cycle.

Have you ever considered Christ's words in Matthew 11 in light of your failures in this area? If we are following Him faithfully and our hearts are bent on showing others what the Savior looks like, our burdens should be light. This does not mean that we approach the ministry of life with a foolhardy attitude, accepting no real responsibility for the care and discipleship of others. The call of Matthew 28:16-20 is serious; Christ has not simply called us to hang out with each other and wait for sparks to fly. Yet, in a sense, He has (more on that in a bit).

Ministry is done with our lives, and the task of discipleship happens through our lives and the relationships we have with the lives of others. Surely, the Savoir of the world did not come under the wrath of His Father, for the sins of many just so we could work like mad at maintaining well versed chats over coffee, and producing Puritan-literate Christians. You see, answering that kind of call is too easy. We can crank that out in our own strength with ease. All the while, we carry this heavy burden of performance that is never satisfied. I can't count the times I've gone begrudgingly into "discipleship situations" where I said to myself, "I'm not measuring up today. I just need to get through this and I can go home." I performed my duties, went home, and no one really noticed. My task was too easy, but too heavy for me to bear at the same time.

Christ's burden is light because He has accomplished the work, and carried our burdens. Christ call is more challenging than ours because He calls us to acknowledge our weakness as we depend on the Spirit and not in our own strength for results. Christ's call to make disciples is easy because He calls us to build meaningful relationships with others and spend time with them--hang out. Christ's call to make disciples is more challenging than ours because in those relationships we are called to transparently show others what He is like, living fruitful lives of sacrifice and repentance. In the Kingdom and Family of God we don't really get the luxury of limiting discipeship to a comfy chair and a cappuccino. We are called to bear our lives for the glory of God.


Questions for you to consider

1. When I think of ministry, do I think of a series of tasks to complete, or do specific people come to my heart and mind?
2. Am I faithfully investing in the relationships that God has given me with believers and non-believers by intentionally making them a part of my life so that they (and I) can see and hear the Gospel?
3. Have I marginalized my relationships? 
4. Am I prayerful before and after I go to "hang-out"with people (believers and non-believers)?
5. Do I consistently look for evidence of God's grace, and the work of the Spirit in my relationships?

The Implications of No Longer Being A Lonely Slave

In Ephesians 2 there is the outstanding theme of You are no longer alone, but you are near to God and adopted into a family! After thanking God for this truth and writing out a prayer, I thought of the implications that this presents me and others with. I am certain there are many more, but these are a few that came to mind and heart.

* It should spark us to worship the God who did the work of bringing us near to Him.

* It should give us an increasing sense of loving obligation towards our family members in Christ.

* It should cause us to consider our words and actions carefully, moving us to obedience to the God who was once far off, but now is near.

* It should encourage us to live lives of open repentance and honesty because we are a family built by sovereign love and mercy that neither nor man can ultimately tear apart.

* It should strengthen us when we come up against temptation and sin. We are not lone fighters in the spiritual war against sin and death, but members of a band of brothers and sisters in the same fight.

* It should give us the desire to want to "make family" just as God has made a family through His Son. These means inviting others into the family of God. God's heart is that none should perish but that all should be a part of His family. It is the family's job to invite "loners" into God's family, and pray that He does the same work in them that He has done in us.

* It should move us away from isolation and towards others.

* It should change the way that we pray for the hearts of other believers.

* It should change the way that we pray for the hearts of unbelievers.

* It should change the way we celebrate, eat, rest, and listen.

* It should forever alter the way that we (if you are married or not) look at the covenant of marriage.

* It should change the way we look at heaven and the coming kingdom.

I pray you are encouraged by His Word!

Even So, He is Still Good

I remember August 29, 2010 almost like it was yesterday. That is the day our son Micah died. I can remember the “pinch me I’m dreaming” feeling as evening dwindled and morning came. I can remember family entering, and exiting the hospital room to visit the two of us, minus one. I can remember how there were prayers with very little words and many tears, and everything was understood. I can remember that most of the words that were spoken were the words of David or Paul, or Peter — the words of God. I remember being angry; not at God, but at sin (Rom 6:23). How great and disastrous are the rippling effects of the fall of man! They are too great for me! I remember thinking that.

Amidst all of those memories, I can remember Him feeling very near; even nearer than before. I remember nurses making their morning rounds to visit us as the sun shone through our hospital window.

“I’m so sorry,” they would say, “How are you feeling today?”

I remember both of us smiling, and saying something like, “God is good. He uses all things for good. He is so gracious.”

“You’re very strong people,” the nurses would reply.

“No we’re weak, but God is helping us,” we’d answer.

I remember really believing it. Knowing it and believing it. I remember reciting Psalm 34:18 with Cindy and thinking, “Yes! He really does!”

He is good.

And here we are now. Not even a year later; expecting again. God is good.

Amidst all of the congratulations and smiling faces there is one comment that has consistently slipped past our ears. Always different but always the same — “This is the one.” Just yesterday, at the doctor’s office we heard, “You know God doesn’t do this twice.”

“He might,” Cindy replied, “even still…God is good.”

God is not our debtor. Yet, He gives good things like children to His children! Some of them live for eighty years, and others for only eighty minutes. He is good to give, and He is good to take away. He is good to bring low, and He is good to give us strength when we are weak. Even more, He is infinitely good to send His only Son to live and die as the propitiation for Fatherless sinners without a hope or a home. He is good to keep His covenant with His family, even when we are faithless. He is good to give us breath and sleep. In all of this…He is good. He is good, because He is.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36

Be Still My Soul

"Be still, my soul: your Jesus can repay from his own fullness all he takes away."

Be Still My Soul, Katharina von Schiegel, 1752

Tr. by Jane Borhwick, 1855

If You Should Suffer, You Will Be Happy

Many look at suffering as if it were a grueling mountain to climb in their own strength. This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach from 1 Peter on how God, from His Word, paints a different picture of suffering for us. You can listen to the sermon by clicking on the link below.

All Of You, Fear Christ. Who Is There To Harm You?

Why God Gives Us More Than We Can Handle

I’ve heard the following phrase enough over the past ten years that I can almost steal the words from someone before they manage to escape their tongue: “God never gives us more than we can handle.” If these words are meant to encourage the hurting party directly then they’ll say, “Well, God will never give you more than He knows you can handle.” Comforters and counselors have this card handy and ready to draw when ever they’re in situations of suffering and tragedy. For many, these nine short words are often used as a last resort when the comforting party cannot come up with anything else to say. Sometimes, they can even be supplemented by a hearty pat and rub on the back or a confident look of assurance from the comforter, directly into the eye of the hurting party. These encouraging augmentations might actually bring comfort if the phrase, “God never gives us more than we can handle” was actually true.

The truth is, these nine words, that have been used time and time again in and out of Christian circles could not be further from the very truth that makes Christians, Christians. I know this first hand because God recently gave my wife and I something that we most certainly were not equipped to handle; we lost our son, Micah, at birth. We were and are faced with enduring something that we personally do not have the strength for. It goes without saying that death and dying are a part of this world that rock and sometimes shatter the infrastructures of people everywhere. The stories of people being effected by death and never recovering from the wounds are innumerable. So, when those nine words manage to force their way into someones rattled heart I’m less inclined to say, “Yes, I know,” and more inclined to say, “Really? I can’t believe that and still believe in the God of the Gospel.”

Here’s why:

To say that God never gives us more than we can handle is to say that God, in His love for us in times of tragedy and suffering leans in to us and says, “Well, my son, you know I never give you more than you can handle so. . .you’re on your own. You’ve got this. Tough it out. I love you.” To believe those slippery nine words is to believe that God’s desire for humanity is to walk out the hard roads of life on their own, in shoes made by their own hands. God’s only job is to give us a good, solid push on our way into on coming fire and wish us the best of luck.

This ever so common phrase is not God’s desire for man, it is not the Gospel, and it nullifies the cross of Christ and all that He accomplished.

The deep and short truth of the matter is that God does indeed allow overwhelming things like death and sickness to enter our lives and these things are too much for us to handle. The good news is that He is with us, because of what His Son has done. He will comfort us with a strength not our own. He will give us a joy awash with the saving blood of his Son and not the proverbial blood we shed in vain when we try to hold the prongs of death and suffering with our own hands. Life in a fallen world, with all of its traps, trials and broken surprises is more than any of us can handle. Strength is found in the Creator and the truth that Christ in us, is greater than anything that is in the world. We are not saved from hell by our own power and God does not intend for us to enter His Kingdom in our strength. For this, we ought to worship Him--He gives us great grace.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10