Right at the end of Matthew\u2019s Gospel – before Jesus ascends into heaven, Jesus leaves his disciples with this final mandate: \u201cTherefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.\u201d Matthew 28:19<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is our call as disciples of Jesus. And this is our call as Christian Surfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This begs the question… what is God calling you to right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before Jesus\u2019 crucification – he made out resolutely for Jerusalem On route He encountered three individuals; the first boldly called himself saying, \u201cI will follow you wherever you go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus replied, \u201cFoxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To the second Jesus simply said: \u201cFollow Me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To which he replied, \u201cLord, first let me go and bury my father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus said, \u201cLet the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the third requested, \u201cI will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus replied, \u201cNo one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what can we deduce from these three engagements?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, only God has the authority to call us. We don\u2019t choose our calling. Jesus does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And secondly, following Jesus is not on our own terms. It is on His.. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his book the Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause Jesus is the Christ, he has the authority to call and to demand obedience to his word. Jesus summons men to follow him not as a teacher or a pattern of the good life, but as the Christ, the Son of God. In this short text Jesus Christ and his claim are proclaimed to all men. Not a word of praise is given to the disciple for his decision for Christ. We are not expected to contemplate the disciple, but only him who calls, and his absolute authority. According to our text, there is no road to faith or discipleship, no other road\u2013only obedience to the call of Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So even though we all are mandated to \u2018Live the Call\u2019. Remember these two cautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only God can call us into things. We CANNOT and must not call ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psalm 75:6 says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one from the east or the west<\/p>\n\n\n\n
or from the desert can exalt themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is God who judges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He brings one down, he exalts another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God calls us to serve faithfully where we are until He calls us into the next thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And secondly, when God calls, let\u2019s be ready. His call is not an option\u2014it is a command. May we respond in full obedience, knowing that He alone has the authority over our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Cyle<\/p>\n\n\n\n