"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
I love my church. Pastor Robert always brings the truth to bear on our hearts. This week he took us to this story of Jesus. And he challenged us to live our lives in this manner.
To experience his redemption.
And then go and redeem others.
Just as Jesus brought freedom to us, so we must be about his business. Where are people in chains? Go and bring them Jesus' story of redemption. His kingdom of releasing the captives.
He challenged us to consider who the captives are. And then to serve them, giving our lives to the cause of their release.
What does that look like for me? Today, it is with the teenagers to which I devote my time and energy. The ones caught up in an "empty way of life" as I Peter 1:18 calls it. The ones struggling to find themselves amidst a noisy culture. The ones looking to find answers in a broken world.
Where will you apply yourself this week? To what redemptive cause?
There are captives all over this world. Across the ocean, across the fence, and next to your desk.
Think Big. 148 millions orphans. 1.4 billion in poverty.
Think Small. Your friend who doesn't know Jesus because you never told him the amazing stories.
Redemption comes in both the physical and spiritual. Just remember what Jesus said about being a ransom. It will cost you your life. Your free time. Your energy. Your calendar. Your bank account. And perhaps worse. But we come as Jesus did, not to be served but to serve.
The way of Jesus is easy to describe, hard to follow, but impossible to live without.
Amen! I jz stumbled on this site. I read through all your postings here. I like reading about Jesus and His word. Are you someone who leads a church? Where? I hope I could read more articles like this. Very inspiring. Thank you for this post. Blessings...
Posted by: Chicago Translation | October 24, 2009 at 05:33 AM
thx Chicago Translation. No, I don't lead a church. Just a guy discovering what it means to really follow Jesus in the day to day. I lived in Denver for 3 years and just moved to Durango, Colorado.
This blog helps me write out what stirs up in my heart. If it blesses others in the process, then it's all the more exciting.
Keep reading about Jesus. It flips our world on it's head when we truly walk as he did.
Posted by: Luke Parrott | October 25, 2009 at 09:42 AM