Early in adulthood I learned a hard lesson. Every choice (even the ones that feel like we are refusing to make a choice) has consequences and impact. Jesus wants to remind his followers that being a disciple is a wonderful and impactful way to live, that leads us to the most fulfilling life we are designed to live. Following Jesus also comes with commands to live a life that is unlike others and calls us to a higher standard.
The Old Testament names that one day there will be a child born of a virgin, and his name will be Emmanuel, which means God with Us. That’s such a churchy phrase, God is with us. As the prophet Isaiah spoke those words, it was a game changer. God would be involved in our day-to-day life, God would become a human like us in a grand act of love to save humanity from ourselves. God would step into our story in a concrete way, and still walk with us in the highs and lows of everyday life.
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Shortly after calling his first disciples Jesus sends out 12 to go and teach what they have learned to others. Jesus’ instructions are simple. Go to those who welcome you, share about Jesus, pray for those present. The disciples return to Jesus with stories of miraculous things happening and lives being changed. Jesus invites us to join the places that he is already moving, and to share the stories of how we see God on the move.