2: Radical Disciples like John the Baptist
Key Passage
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.
John 1:29-31
Devotional
The context of the above passage is a revival meeting. John the Baptist, the fiery young preacher and Jesus' older cousin, had moved out to the river Jordan to preach, baptize, and proclaim the coming Kingdom of God. John's zeal and passion spread, attracting many new disciples to his cause. In this environment, John points two of his disciples to Jesus.
Today's devotional is an invitation to the radical. Perhaps you have always wanted to live for a cause greater than yourself. Maybe you have felt like you are "too much," or it's been hard to direct and channel your passion. Maybe the church's complacency and modern society's injustice eats you up inside. Jesus invites you to be a disciple.
Apple computers built a technological movement of radicals, creatives, and misfits. Steve Jobs, Apple's founder, is famous for declaring, "Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things."
If you feel that language applies to you, attach yourself to Christ and His cause. Politics change, and technologies come and go, but becoming a disciple of Jesus will allow you to channel your intense passion in the right direction… and make a difference for eternity.
The danger of living radically is spiritual pride. This is why John the Baptist is a good role model for passionate reformers. He is legendary for turning his ministry over to Jesus, saying, "He must be become greater… I must become less” (John 3:30).
If the radical call to discipleship inspires you, study the life of John the Baptist. Hold your passions loosely and your humility before God higher. He will raise you up for a cause at the right time.
Daily Prayer
"God, I receive your permission to be radical today. Thank you that you can handle my passion, my intensity, and my desire to fight injustice. Please show me what it looks like for me to channel my radical passion into discipleship with You.”