Unlocking the Secret to a Transformed Life
Many Christians today have lost sight of the ultimate goal: becoming like Jesus. They know they’re sinners saved by grace, but they struggle to live out a transformed life. The misconception is that the Holy Spirit can only work through exceptional individuals, like the first-century Christians. But what if we told you that’s not entirely true?
The Disciples: Flawed but Faithful
Let’s take a closer look at the men Jesus first called. They were ordinary people who came to Christ, believed in Him, and followed Him. They dined with Him, often going hungry, and even miraculously fed the multitudes with food Jesus multiplied. They received special authority to heal and deliver, became Jesus’ confidants, and were entrusted with the mysteries of God’s Kingdom.
* Imperfect but Empowered*
These disciples were not perfect. They did things that weren’t lawful on the Sabbath, broke traditions, and entered the Kingdom of God with power. They were often frightened, fell on their faces, and were sometimes afraid. Yet, they frequently marveled, rejoiced exceedingly, and wrote the New Testament. They died for their faith, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.
A Life of Prayer and Obedience
The disciples were taught to pray for the Kingdom to come and for laborers for the harvest. They spent ten days in continuous prayer before Pentecost and prayed corporately every day afterward. They prepared cities for Jesus’ arrival, prepared the Passover for the last supper, and were prepared by God to represent Christ.
Lessons from the Disciples’ Mistakes
Despite their flaws, the disciples turned the world upside down after the resurrection. They forgot provisions, made commitments they couldn’t keep, and attempted to exorcise demons that wouldn’t leave. They rebuked parents who brought children to be blessed and abandoned Jesus in His darkest hour. Yet, God was not limited by their mistakes.
Approaching Jesus with Faith
So, what can we learn from the disciples’ experiences? Let us approach Jesus with faith, believing all things are possible for God, even the transformation of our hearts. Let us read the words of Christ as though we were sitting at Jesus’ feet, remembering what He taught and receiving the great commission. By doing so, we can face opposition from principalities and powers, Jews and Gentiles, and still reach our world with the Gospel of Christ.
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