When Jesus called the disciples to follow him, he informed them that there would be a great cost associated with the invitation. They were not guaranteed the comforts of a home to rest in, nor were they promised time to care for their families. With him, theirs would be a journey of absolute self-sacrifice.
For a season, Jesus would teach them and equip them as he preached and performed miracles of healing and casting out the evil that held people captive. Before long they were given the authority to engage in the same kind of life giving ministry.
Like the early disciples, we are called to follow Jesus and learn about his mission and his ministry. Through the power and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are also to become actively engaged in ministries that provide healing and restoration to those who have been broken, betrayed, discouraged and disconnected from God. We are called to preach, teach, heal, proclaim and exhibit the kingdom of God in the world.
Jesus has entrusted us with the authority to participate in the transformation of peoples lives. So often as Presbyterians, we sit back watching and complaining about the work that people of other denominations are doing in the name of Jesus. We have excelled at learning about what Jesus did, but we stop short of putting what we have learned into action. The call to follow Jesus is costly. It is still a journey of absolute self-sacrifice.
What a beautiful psalm, I love Matthew and his deep reflections.
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