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In accelerated learning, parents “hot-house” their children at a young tender age to successfully complete examinations that are beyond their age. But have you heard about accelerated discipleship? It often amazes me that Jesus called ordinary, mostly illiterate men by telling them, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24). In just about three years, He transformed these disciples into men who explained Scriptures with authority and conviction, healed the sick and lame and caused the city of Jerusalem to praise God (ref. Acts 4:13). How did they “hot-house” so fast?
God initiated the call to discipleship. Often when Matt. 16:24-27 is taught, the emphasis is on the cost of discipleship, rather than the Cross of discipleship. The Cross is central in the relationship of the believer to his Lord. The Cross is also the assurance of restored relationship with God, a return to the rightful obedience to God. For His love, Jesus is worthy of all price we must pay to follow Him.
The disciple responded in steadfast affection towards Him in word and deed. Taking up the Cross, as most realize, is a life that is confronted with choices – to submit to the Word of the Lord or to remain self-centred. The devil offers the kingdom without the Cross. We can allow ourselves to think that the loss to us because of our choice will be too much to bear. Or, we can respond to love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts, our souls, our minds and our strength.
God worked in them (and us) for discipleship transformation. Jesus’ disciples had the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit and the joy of communing daily with Him. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit has also been given to us at our salvation. The same anointing of the Holy Spirit may emerge as evidenced in our newfound sense of purpose in our lives with the passion for the unsaved, the sick and a concern for the needy. While we continue in our current roles and occupation, we lay hold of the promise from God of “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another” (Jn. 1:16). To take up the Cross of discipleship is to move as individuals and as His church, ready to hear His voice, see His hand at work and move as He directs us. The empowering and enabling is entirely His. Taking up the Cross of discipleship is all about yielding to God and the fulfilment of His purpose. When God calls, He empowers. We simply obey.
