Sunday the 16th of August we wrap up our series on 2nd Timothy. Discipleship takes central place in Paul’s letter to Timothy. As we have learned from Paul, and continue to learn in following Jesus is that discipleship is more than belief, it’s a lifestyle.
There is a big difference between Western thought and the Hebrew/Jewish thought about discipleship. Our Western view emphasizes ‘faith in Jesus’ with making a choice for Jesus by believing a set of beliefs and truths about Jesus with the outcome of ‘going to heaven.’ For the Hebrew/Jewish understanding, belief is only a starting point. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” belief is the beginning of a journey, a lifestyle transformation. It’s about following, becoming like the rabbi, walking as Jesus walked. Instead of getting to heaven (Western) it’s about getting heaven to earth (Hebrew/Jewish).
When Jesus calls us to discipleship he is calling us to wholistic discipleship. After all, the greatest command, to “Love the Lord Lord with our whole heart, soul, and strength,” it’s exactly that, with our ‘whole.’ Love is a verb, it’s action, not just belief ascent. To profess “Jesus is Lord,” isn’t a statement of belief as it’s the engagement of a lifestyle transformation.
So let’s wrap it up with 2nd Timothy, by entering fully into the Hebrew/Jewish understanding of discipleship: Hagah (take it in), Halak (walk it out/live it!), and Hazak (be strong in it.). See you Sunday, communion celebration and fellowship meal enjoyment this Sunday,
Pastor Mark