Introduction
A new creation! I’m Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on ‘A new creation’.
The premise of this series is that God is loving us into spiritual character growth. Jesus is the inspiration for that spiritual character. We are being transformed into his likeness (2 Corinthians 3.18). How does this happen? A key aspect is following Jesus and living as a disciple. Following Jesus changes us, and those changes help us follow him. Today, some thoughts on learning Jesus’ lifestyle.
Jesus was busy
Was Jesus busy? Well, yes, of course. He had so much to do in the three years of his ministry. However, we must blend his intensity of focus with his intimacy with God. Consider the first and second parts of Mark 6.31. He worked hard, and his followers worked hard. So much so that he got hungry, thirsty and tired. However, he recognised that his followers needed refreshment (see also John 4.6).
Jesus was not busy
Jesus was as busy as he could be, but no busier than his times of refreshment with God could enable. Take the opening of Mark’s gospel. He goes from spending time with the Spirit, to calling disciples to follow, healing many and then getting up early to pray.
Read Mark 1.35-37
His followers had to hunt for him! In other words, he was determined not to be disturbed until the right time. Jesus’ behaviour did not make sense to his followers, but his healthy rhythms of spiritual disciplines gave him the strength and insight to be the person of impact that he was.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What did Jesus do in his private life that enabled him to be who he was in his public life? How does his example inform your choices of how to use your time and energy?
Conclusion
Our practices off-screen prepare us for being on-stage. What will you practice this week that might make people have to hunt for you and that might confuse them, but that will fill you with kingdom strength as you follow Jesus?
Next time, we will explore learning to love what Jesus loves.
Your brother, Malcolm
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Could you send me your questions or suggestions? Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Carpe Diem” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
