GRIPPED?

Are followers of Jesus sufficiently gripped by the gospel to behave as He would wish us to behave?
- Oz Guinness

Mark 3:12-19
13Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons. 16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.


Crowds of people followed Jesus when he began his earthly ministry. Some were specifically asked by Jesus to follow him, some came out of curiosity, some came because they heard he could do great miracles, or taught with authority on spiritual matters, and wanted to see for themselves. Some followed for a while and then returned to their homes, others stayed and went every where Jesus went.

Imagine hearing the rumors of this great man, Jesus of Nazareth, circulating around your hometown. The excitement surrounding him is so great so you decide to go check him out for yourself. You find where he's at and travel a great distance to get there. On your very first day of being in his vicinity, you see him perform miracles, instantly healing diseases that have been long standing issues for these people, casting out demons, and positively changing peoples lives by touching their greatest needs. In addition, he's teaching and speaking on spiritual matters with such authority and authenticity that he stands out from anyone you ever heard speak or teach on these subjects before.

You decide to stick around and see what else takes place and before you know it, you are so swept up in the 'way of Jesus', that you find he has captured your heart, emotions, thoughts, and soul. All the other things of life begin to fade from importance - work, duty, family, leisure-as you just want to be in the presence of Jesus. You are caught up in the aura of Jesus and you just want to bask in it, not wanting to be away from him even for a moment.

So, when Jesus moves to another location, you follow. When he is teaching you are actively listening and learning, making mental notes. Your heart is beginning to soften and warm towards others. You begin to see the great need others have deep within their soul that only he can satisfy. You see your own great need. You begin to look at life differently, seeing it from his perspective and priority. You begin to understand you cannot go back to your old way of life because you are no longer the same person. You have been transformed in mind, body, and soul. Everything is different. Every priority rearranged.

Then, Jesus calls you out of the crowd. He ask you to be with him always. He asks you to follow him and his teachings forever. He asks you if he can send you to teach others about him and his way. He ask if you will trust him to give you authority over demons and to extend forgiveness to others. He ask if you will help to bring others to him.

What a privilege the 12 apostles from the bible text received! Despite the fears and reservations they may have had, they all said yes, we will follow you and do your will. They had no idea what this would all entail and where it would lead. All they had was a great love for this man and a desire to be like him. They took a leap of faith to continue to be near the man that forever changed their lives and to grow to be more like him. They considered it a great privilege and honor to serve him all the days of their lives (except for Judas, which we know did not end well for him).

What a great story!

However, this isn't just a story from long ago.

It's a reality today, for you and for me.

Jesus lives!

Jesus calls, even today, for followers and doers. For students and teachers of his way. He calls for servants and leaders. He wants us to get to know him, his character, his love, his way. He wants us to fall so in love with him, that we will want to follow him forever and want to lead others to him too.

Are you sufficiently gripped by Jesus and the gospel that you will answer his call?

May you be entirely transformed by, and in love with, the person of Jesus Christ so sufficiently that you will answer his call and walk with him all the days of your life, bringing other to walk along side of you!