Making Disciples out of the Disciples

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 9 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. (Luke 9:34-36, NIV)


THE BIG IDEA:
Jesus takes the time and the risk to pass on His leadership, ministry, and power to His disciples. 


REFLECTIONS:
In my family we every so often debate the concept of God taking risk. I first came across this concept in Loren Cunningham’s book, “Is That Really You, God?” I have to tell you that I’m usually alone on my side of this debate, but after some discussion we all settle down and agree on the concept, but not the details. The core of my belief is that God wants our love and devotion. But love is always risky. To truly exchange love between two people, both must make a choice and God gives us that choice. We could turn away. He risks His love on us. Now just to be clear, I’m not confused. God is ultimately in control and the earth will have a history that God chooses, but all the pieces could come together in many different ways. We have a God that is that awesome. You can’t ever predict Him and His direction. 

But more relevant to Luke 9, Jesus risked His ministry after His death and resurrection on 12 disciples. The world hung in the balance as the 12 disciples were schooled by Jesus. From Luke 8 to Luke 9 there is a shift. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm; Jesus restores a demon possessed man; Jesus raises a dead girl; and Jesus heals a sick woman. In each of these stories the power of God passes through God’s son, Jesus, and a miracle occurs. But here in Luke 9, Jesus begins the transfer of His leadership, ministry, and power to the disciples. If Jesus’ ministry is to be a success, His disciples must take on His calling and carry it to the world. 

In each of the stories told in Luke 9, Jesus or the situation is nudging and coaching the disciples forward in their path to taking on Jesus’ leadership, ministry and power. Here are a few of the stories where we can see how Jesus coaches His disciples.  

Jesus sends out the twelve disciples.

Jesus gave power and authority to the disciples and they are sent to proclaim the kingdom of God.  

Jesus feeds the five thousand.

A crowd gathers. It’s time to eat and there’s no food. The disciples say “send the crowd away.” Jesus responds “You give them something to eat.” Read carefully. The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand passed through the disciples’ hands. They pass through the crowd distributing food and the crowd is fed.  

The disciples fail to heal a demon possessed boy.

Jesus responds “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?” and then rebukes the impure spirit.  

Disciples argue which of them would be the greatest.

Jesus responds “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” 

James and John ask “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”

Jesus rebukes them.

POINT OF ACTION:
So where are we in this story? I believe we are right where the disciples were. Called by God, but sometimes doing well and sometimes messing up. God takes a risk by calling us and we take a risk by stepping out in faith. I want to see God’s hand every day nudging and coaching me towards His goal for my life. When things go well and when things don’t go well, I need to understand that God will not give up on me. He is schooling me on His plan for my life. I’m His and He is my God. 


PRAYER:
God school us. Coach us. Show us where we are and where you want us to be. Show us new ways to surrender to you. 


WHO AM I?
You’re probably tired of hearing about David Norris adventures in Nebraska. Have I tired you with my stories of our trip to Israel? Well here’s another one anyway. Some archeologists believe that Mount Karkom is really Mount Sinai where Moses received the 10 commandments. Well, one day we drove 4 hours through the desert. Then we hiked 2 hours to reach the spot. On Mount Karkom there are carvings on many rocks. One picture I’ve included is the spot we choose to stop and have worship. Could this be the area where Moses received the 10 commandments? The other picture shows a carving that is believed to be a depiction of the tablet with the 10 commandments. Notice it is broken, very intentionally, into 10 pieces. If you do a Google search of Mount Karkom images, you’ll see this carving. The carving is about a big as your hand and about 50 yards off the main path. Stuff like this blows me away.