Shifting From Fellowship to "Followship"

Lent 2012: Week FOUR

Shifting from Fellowship to "Followship"

Luke 6:17-19 (Further Reading: Luke 6:20-49)

Objective: To discover that the benefits of consistent "followship" are far greater than temporary fellowship with Christ.

Throughout this Lenten season, there are many of us who will come into fellowship with Jesus. There is nothing wrong with that, right? Of course not. There may be someone who has never fellowshipped with Jesus so closely than you have during these last three weeks. However, on this fourth week, I believe there is something that must become clear to all of us--the benefits of consistent "followship" are so much greater than temporary fellowship!

Let's be honest. Although the job market is pretty bad right now. If we had a choice in the matter, most of us would choose a permanent position over a temporary position. What we find is temporary positions do not have as great of benefits as permanent positions. The "Package" that comes along with a permanent position usually includes benefits that far outlast your daily need of finances. In the same way, our "followship" of Christ is a permanent relationship with Christ that comes with a "package" that temporary fellowship with Christ cannot even measure up against. This week's scripture gives an amazing description of God's "Package".

Breakdown of the Scripture:

We are peeking into Jesus' famous "Sermon on the Mount". After choosing his 12 apostles who would be in close "followship" with Him, Jesus delivered these words (verse 20-49) that I believe can help us discover the need to become a true disciple of Christ instead of simply being members of the crowd. However, before He even opened His mouth, Jesus teaches us a lesson from the people around Him:

(verse 17) There is a distinction between the members present during Jesus' sermon: "crowd of his disciples" and "a great number of people"-this shows us that our presence does not qualify us as a follower/disciple of Christ. Are we a follower or a "fellowshipper"? In other words, are we present in the church/observing Lent/reading the Bible because we desire to be in true relationship with Christ or are we just paying a visit to get what we can from Christ?

(verse 18) There were individuals present who came to hear Christ (to perceive with their own ears) and to be healed by Christ (to be made sound/healthy again). Also, individuals who were troubled (beset by problems, conflict, distress or anxiety) were cured (set free). When we come before Christ, we must enter with expectation.

(verse 19) The people were trying to touch (come into contact with) Christ because His power was healing everyone! If we desire to truly experience a move of Christ, we must actually come into contact with Him.

APPLICATION: Jesus desires for us to be in true "followship" with Him although He heals even the "fellowshipper". These three verses demonstrate the move of Christ before the WORD was even spoken. In other words, Christ will prove His word before He speaks His word. However, we must enter into Christ's presence with expectation. Verse 19 says that everyone began to try and touch Jesus because His power was "coming from him" and "healing them ALL". Isn't that amazing? Christ's power is so great that it can come from Him and heal us all! However, we must be willing to come into contact with (touch) Christ!

The immediate benefit of fellowship sometimes appears the same as "followship". What is the point of me being consistent if Christ was healing and setting free his disciples, as well as the "number of people" who were present? We must read on! After this miraculous moment occurred, Christ explains (verses 20-49) that the consistent "followship" of Christ is what brings about the eternal reward. When we are poor, the kingdom of God is ours...when we love our enemies...when we choose not to judge...when we bring out the good that is stored up in our hearts... Yes, these are the characteristics of a follower of Christ-one who Christ proudly claims as a disciple. So, which one are you?

CHALLENGE: I challenge each of us to make every effort to shift from fellowship to "followship". This can be done and seen through our walk, our words, and our worship. As disciples, we must go where Christ leads us and speak as Christ directs us. As we do so, our very lives become worship unto God. Come on...let's become disciples! We are not here for the temporary benefits (money in the bank or a fancy meal), but we are seeking that which truly pleases and brings glory to God.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, help us to become true followers of Christ. When You look at us, we do not want to be seen as a part of the "great number of people" looking for temporary fellowship/benefits from you. Help us to foster and nurture our relationship with you in a way that we exude Your Word through our very pores- that everything we do is pleasing unto You. Bless us in our walk and our words so that our very lives will be worship unto You. In Jesus' name, Amen.