The guys I meet with began a new study entitled “Old Testament Essentials.” It follows a similar format to the Discipleship Essentials curriculum that I have commented on previously. It is taking us on a high level walk through of the OT and also includes a section each time called “Anticipating the New Testament.” This link to what is to come is a beautiful addition, getting us to think in a broader sense – across all of scripture.
In our recent study of Jacob, God again renews the covenant he made with Abraham, Jacob’s grandfather – this covenant is simply a declaration by God, no strings attached, God will do what he says. However, when Jacob hears from the Lord through the famous stairs into heaven dream, he makes the following statement the next morning: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God.” Genesis 28:20-21
I was fascinated by the “ifs” in Jacob’s reflection. God was fully in, he made a covenant with no ands, ifs or buts. Yet Jacob responds with conditions. Only if God fulfills what Jacob expects then will he make the Lord his God.
As I reflected on the many guys that I have led over the years, there are some similarities. Now don’t take this analogy to far, but in essence, when I ask a guy to join me on this journey of life-on-life discipleship, I am making a covenant with him. I’m in, I’m going to give it my all.
Yet on some occasions, I have felt like the guys that commit do so conditionally, like Jacob. They are hedging right up front. If they have time in their schedule they’ll be there. If they don’t have to memorize the verses they’ll participate. If we don’t have to serve outside of our comfort zone then they will commit. If we can meet every other week they’ll join. If I’m not too demanding, if I come to where they are geographically, if we meet in the evening, if, if, if.
At times they state these things up front and I am aware of what I am working with and it doesn’t necessarily stop me. Other times I discover these things over the first 3-6 months and frankly I don’t always know how to respond. Sometimes I push back and call them to a higher level of commitment – some of them do, others don’t, others leave. Sometimes I don’t say anything but inside I’m regretting the fact that I have committed my time to them.
Yet as I thought about this, I was reminded how God must at times get frustrated with me. I have been saved by grace, been given a gift, “not by works, so that I can’t boast.” Yet how often have I added conditions to my discipleship? How often have I negotiated with God? And has God stepped away from his act of grace in my life? Yes God disciplines me, and yes he will allow the pains of life to teach me. And in the same way I at times am doing similar things to those I lead. And yet, at my core, what is my motivation to walk alongside others? Am I in?
May we be willing to confess the “conditions” we have placed on our discipleship, where we have chosen not to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow.” And may God grant us the covenant commitment to those that we choose to come alongside.
For the kingdom.