The Promise

"...and I will send you out to fish for people." Matthew 4:19

 

As I wrote a few weeks ago, Jesus offers an incredible invitation:  Follow me.  Ask a Christian what it means to follow Jesus, and they will likely tell you about the “vertical” relationship they have.  Specifically, they are mostly concerned about their personal, individual connection to God, hence the descriptor “vertical.”  Practically speaking, this is lived out through reading their Bible, praying, attending worship, and they may even tell you of the importance of joining a church (although younger generations are less inclined to do so).  They value “church” time as opportune moments in which they get fed, spiritually speaking.  They seek God for strength so that they can “make it through” their week.  Now, let me say that none of this is bad or inappropriate.  It is, however, an incomplete understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

 

Connected to the invitation is a promise.  The promise is that He will send you out to fish for people!  Despite being often treated as such, the invitation and promise are not mutually exclusive.  One very much has to do with the other.  To put it another way, the vertical relationship with God (follow me) is intimately linked to the horizontal relationship (fish for people) we have with others.  I fear at times we have lost sight of that connection even as it’s so evident throughout the biblical story.  Abraham was blessed by God in order that he would be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:1-3).  Jesus highlighted loving God and loving your neighbor as the greatest of the commandments (Matthew 22:34-40).  To think about it yet another way, you cannot have discipleship without mission, and you cannot have mission without discipleship.

 

Why do some seem to neglect the promise connected to the invitation?    I think part of the issue is that we don’t see how the promise is relevant to us. In this day and age, the promise to “fish for people” doesn’t hold the allure that it did for first century fishermen.  Remember, that’s how Peter and Andrew made their living.  Jesus effectively says to them, “You think your life is good now?  I’ve got something much better for you!  You make your living fishing for fish.  I’m going to show you how to transform lives!”  They are intrigued enough by the invitation and promise that they leave their nets (that which helped them to provide for their families) and pursued this new vocation.  I suspect that if Jesus were conducting his earthly, pre-resurrection ministry today, He might use more relevant terminology.  For example, if He went to an accounting firm, He might be so inclined to say, “Follow me…and you will help people file returns that will last for eternity!”  Or if he ventured into a doctor’s office, he might say, “Follow me…and I will teach you to heal people so they never get sick again!”

 

While there are some who are called to throw down their “nets” and follow Jesus into full-time ministry, I also believe each of us is called to follow Him whatever our vocation.  Jesus sought to cast a very clear vision with His early followers.  There’s no question that He invites them into an intimate relationship.  But there can also be no doubt that it is a relationship with a purpose.  Let’s not lose sight of that entire vision!

The Bible As Your Compass!

I read the Facebook post with great interest.  It was from a friend from my past who is a member of another Presbyterian Church.  Her post stated, "This Christian supports..."  I won't share the issue, as that's not what this post is about.  However, I was concerned as I read her reasoning.  She stated that, "After much soul-searching..." and "In deference to those I love... I have decided..."

This is a person for whom I have had a great deal of respect (and still do!), so I was curious as to how she had changed her mind.  So I asked how she had come to her conclusion.  I asked (I am paraphrasing) if she had some new insights into Scripture.  Her response, truth be told, had nothing to do with the Bible.  

It prompted me to think about how Christians make decisions.  I am mostly disappointed with the Church (in the broadest sense).  I am convicted that the Church (and I'm pointing my finger at me as well!) has failed in that, in our disciple-making efforts, we have not passed down the faith handed to us by generations of faithful disciples.  In this instance, we have not impressed upon our church attendees the authority of Scripture and the role the Bible has in shaping how we think, talk, and act.  The irony is I am part of a tradition (Reformed) that has always held a very high view of Scripture.  We believe that scripture IS the Word of God.  We have affirmed what Scripture says about itself:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

When it comes to decision-making, I fear fewer and fewer Christians turn to God's Word for guidance.  Whereas we once stood under the text, striving to adhere to the will and way of God as revealed in His Word, we now stand over the text, dissecting and picking and choosing what we want. Whereas Christians once looked at culture through the lens of Scripture, it is now the case that we look at Scripture through the lens of culture... if we look at Scripture at all.  Thus, culture and self have become authoritative.  Christians, consequently, are becoming more and more biblically illiterate.  Again, here is a failure of the Church.  

I love the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.   (I understand they are in production on a 5th movie.  While some are of the opinion that the series has been played out, I say, "Bring it on!"  I can't get enough of Captain Jack Sparrow!)  In the series, Captain Jack has a unique compass.  The compass does not point north, but rather it points to what Jack (or whoever is holding it) wants most in the world.  At one point, it leads Jack to a bottle of rum.  At another, it leads him to buried treasure.  What a great illustration for us.  Each of us has an internal "compass" that points to whatever we want.  I fear this is even true when it comes to issues of faith.  

Back in 2009, I was alarmed (but not surprised) to read that Barna research had revealed four emerging themes in terms of faith in America.  (I say "not surprised" because of all the missional church work done over the past 15-20 years, indicating we are living in a post-Christian society.)  Of particular interest is that many are choosing an "individual and customized" faith experience, as opposed to an adherence to what I would call orthodox Christianity.  Equally alarming is that biblical literacy doesn't seem to be a goal for most people or churches.  People know "sound bytes" of Scripture, or (because of incredible advancements in technology that afford you information at your fingertips) they rely entirely on their smart phones if they are interested in looking up a particular passage.  Here’s my concern: If Scripture isn't in your head, it's not going to be in your heart!

Instead, many have adhered to a "what's good for me is good for me, and what's good for you is good for you" mentality.  Faith has become relative.  I can't help but think of the situation in Israel during the time of the Judges:

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." (Judges 17:6 & 21:25, NIV)

What we want, unfortunately, is not always what's best for us.  I can spend time "soul-searching" or go on an "inner journey" and, with enough time spent, end up justifying just about anything- believe me!  Without God's guidance, my compass is going to eventually point in whatever direction I want.

As followers of Jesus who have declared Him as Lord of our lives, one of our tasks is to align our lives with that of God.  Thus, our desires should match God's!  Our heart should match God's! Our minds should match God's!  And when we make decisions in life, no matter how big or how small, God's Word must have authority over us.  They do not shackle us, but rather they set us free.  They are Words of life!

So how do you make decisions?  Do you turn to God and His Word or do you do "as you see fit?"  Is God your compass or, like Captain Jack, do you follow your own inner compass of desire?

I end with this Scripture for you to ponder:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

The Invitation...

 

“Come, follow me…” (Matthew 4:19)

The journey of discipleship begins with an invitation.  With this invite, Jesus extends His hand to you.  His desire is that you take it.  Come, follow me.

As you take it, He wants to talk with you so He can teach you His ways.  Can you hear His voice?  He has given you the gift of His Word.  The Bible is God’s love letter to you and the world.  He is communicating something powerful:  grace and truth!  It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or who you are.  He loves you and because He loves, you are someone special in His eyes.  Your identity is not wrapped up in your wounds, faults, or failures.  Your identity is founded in His forgiveness.  In Christ, you are a new creation. You are a beloved child of the Father.  Even when you lose sight of that identity, His hand is extended…waiting.  Come, follow me.

As you take it, He wants you to talk with Him. Do you know what to say?  He wants you to be honest.  He wants to hear your joys.  What’s going good?  What are you proud of?  He wants you to celebrate and laugh with you.  He also wants to hear your concerns and frustrations.  What are you mourning?  What are your disappointments?  Nothing is too big or small.  Don’t hold anything back.  He’s got all the time in the world.  He wants you to feel His presence and know He is with you every waking and sleeping moment of every single day.  Even when you are totally and utterly convinced that you are alone and helpless, His hand is still extended…waiting.  Come, follow me.

As you take it, He wants you to walk with Him.  Do you know what it is to live abundantly?  He wants you to follow in His footsteps and be a disciple “in motion.”  He wants you to live out your faith and to give evidence of that faith through the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  He wants you to demonstrate the love you have for Him through the love you offer to others.  He wants you to offer kind and encouraging words to each person you meet.  It doesn’t matter who it is and what their background is.  He wants you to be His incarnational presence in their life.  He wants you to be His hands and feet. That may sound daunting, but don’t worry.  He will give you the strength. He will equip you with what you need.  Even when you have been emotionally wounded or verbally attacked and the last think you want to do is “turn your check,” His hand is forever extended…waiting.  Come, follow me.

God is calling you into a deeper relationship.  He wants to lead you on a grand adventure.  He offers His grace and He desires your trust and obedience to His truth.  He does this because He wants you to experience the love and peace that life with Him affords.

Each and every morning we are faced with choices afresh.  None are as important as whether or not you will accept the invitation from Jesus.  Will you talk with Him today?  Will you walk with Him today ? Will you live for Him today?

Will you take Jesus' hand today?  Come, follow me.

 

The Journey Begins!

2015 has been a year of transition for the Peebles family.  We have moved from Washington State in the Pacific Northwest to Florida in the Southeast.   What a joy it is to be a part of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando family! I am humbled and honored to be stepping into this new call, and the entire Peebles family (my wife, Margaret, and our two kids, Annabelle and David) is looking forward to this next season of our lives.  My specific area of responsibility is discipleship. In light of our transition, it seemed appropriate to begin a blog with a particular emphasis on discipleship.  Thus, this is the very first post of The Journey.

 

One of the questions I have been asked on multiple occasions already is, “What is your vision for discipleship at FPCO?”  That is a great question and one that is easily answered by Scripture.  As Jesus calls his first disciples, Peter and Andrew, He is clear and direct:  "Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people." (Matthew 4:19, NIV).  Thus, Peter and Andrew (and shortly after, James and John) began a pursuit that challenged and convicted, but ultimately empowered and equipped them to participate in God’s mission to the world.  Out of that and simply put, my vision is that every member of the FPCO family would grow in their relationship with God through following Jesus in their everyday living and, within the context of community, invite others to follow as well. I sincerely hope, I might add, that this vision extends beyond any individual church and into the greater Orlando community.

 

I often liken discipleship to a journey.  Every journey has a beginning and an end.  For the disciple of Jesus, that journey begins when one responds to the invitation of Jesus.  It ends (or at least enters a new phase!) when the disciple goes to glory.  Unfortunately, some disciples get lost or simply do not progress in their journey: they stay at the trailhead or starting line and move very little toward growth and maturity.  Thus, the challenge for church leadership is to encourage progress and growth in that journey.

 

I, like many pastors, am a fan of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.  In the movie version of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, there is a wonderful conversation that unfolds as Bilbo, the protagonist, is trying to determine whether or not to embark on the journey ahead.  He is being counseled by the wise wizard, Gandalf the Grey.

 

Gandalf: "You’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back."

Bilbo: "You can promise that I’ll come back?”

Gandalf: "No. And if you do, you will not be the same."

I love it! As you consider embarking on or progressing in the journey of discipleship, I can promise two things.  First, it's definitely not an easy excursion and God is going to challenge and convict you, while He empowers and equips you.  Second, you will not be the same.  Growth and transformation should be expected. 

 

In this next season of ministry, I look forward to the journey ahead.  May God grant us all a growing sense of His transforming presence as we seek to follow Him in our daily living!