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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
These are three directives our Lord consistently challenges us with that are routinely ignored or picked over and done at our convenience; occasionally applying one or the other to our lives, we often relegate the rest to a later date when we have more time, money, interest or ability. Scripturally, they are grouped together as a series of progressive commands and expectations, one flowing into the other till they reach completion as a whole.
The first is an invitation reiterated throughout scripture to, “Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.” Is. 55:3; which is often received with little interest and less joy. It is an offer extended to mankind from the very beginning, Peter explaining God’s purpose and reasoning in delaying judgment on the ungodly while continuing to offer redemption. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 Hosea declaring the age-old expectation and benefit of a positive response to God’s offer of redemption. “Sow for yourselves righteousness, (and) reap the fruit of unfailing love,…” Hosea 10:12 Rejecting this offer may very well make us, “Wail… (as we realize) the day of the Lord is near; (as it may come) like destruction from the Almighty.” Isaiah13:6 (See Matthew 8:10-12; 13:36-43 & 13:47-50) As, “The Sovereign Lord comes with power… his reward… and recompense accompany(ing) him.” Isaiah 40:10 (See also Matthew 16:27)
Jesus directed his first call to come to him to two sets of brothers, who did indeed choose to do so; being introduced to a whole new way of thinking and a completely different approach to life. This revealed the pattern by which all who came after would be expected to follow. “Come, follow me,… and I will make you…”; something you never expected, dreamed of or – at times – wanted. Matthew 4:19 And, believe it or not, there are conditions to this invitation; an expectation of allegiance, sacrifice and obedience. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross,…” Mark 8:34 (See also Luke 9:23-26 & 14:27) Some fail to appreciate the value of this offer or shy away from the prospect of sacrifice on their part, to their eternal regret and everlasting sorrow. (Luke 18:18-30) However, when Peter addressed the crowds who had followed the advice of their errant leaders in Jerusalem in crucifying Christ, he implored them to, “Repent,…and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,…”; the offer to “Come” still available to them. Acts 3:17-20
The second directive to follow comes close on the heels of Christ’s invitation to come. Again, the pattern set at the outset of Jesus’ ministry as he gathered followers and turned them into disciples. “Come, follow me,…” Matthew 4:19 (See also Matthew 9:9 & John 1:43); repeated in one form or another throughout his ministry. (For example Matthew 8:22 & Luke 18:22) However, he went on to emphatically state that serving him if and when we see fit or merely hanging out with him was not enough, but that coming to him entails following in his footsteps; doing as he does, thinking as he thinks – being Christians or little Christs. (John 12:26, Matthew 16:24 & 1 Peter 2:21)
This concept can be found throughout scripture as well, Jesus creating a new thing in the process of purifying the old. God warning from the start, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”; but rather, “You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees.” Exodus 23:3 and Leviticus 8:4 Moses being ushered into God’s presence so that he could then relay a sense of God’s holiness to the Israelites; assuring them of his love while at the same time instructing them in His expectations. “Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare… learn them and be sure to follow them.” Deuteronomy 5:1 Jesus alluded to this same concept of thoroughly grasping the thoughts and purposes of God to ensure success in recognizing his will and following his way. For it is only in knowing the heart and voice of our Savior that we are empowered to effectively follow in his footsteps. (John 10:4 & 10:27) Jesus claiming to be, “…the light of the world.” And assuring us that, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Lastly, we are commanded to Go! In light of our response to the Lord’s invitation, and having heeded his instruction, we are then expected to partner in his ministry by sharing what we have learned with others. If Christ’s purpose had been to merely save us, he may as well just “beam” us up at our conversion and be done with it. But there is something for us to accomplish as a result of that conversion as “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 We are further instructed to, “…be prepared in season and out of season (or at every opportunity) to correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 With the assurance that our Gospel is, “…God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:17 As such we should, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
Indeed, Jesus declared, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 Upholding the pattern set at the beginning – Come, Follow – now as fishers of men – Go. Which is precisely the point we tend to fail in this progression of commands; whether out of fear, laziness or unconcern. But God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (See also Proverbs 22:6) Jesus reinforcing this by promising that, “…the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (See also John 15:26,16:13 & Matthew 10:19,20) The expectation being that we will have the desire and courage to consistently place His will above all else and take advantage of every opportunity to share Him with others. (Luke 9:57-62) A penalty likewise promised for those who fail to respond to his will and opportunities to share it. (Luke 14:15-24)
The parable of the Good Samaritan notes the attitude of the Samaritan’s heart that motivated him to action, followed with the command, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 There should be no doubt about it, we are commanded to, “…go and make disciples… baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19,20 Indeed, Jesus’ last words to his disciples expressed his desire for our love and devotion for him to be expressed in tangible ways; feeding and caring for the lost sheep of our world. In this way truly coming to him, genuinely following him and effectively sent out by him. (John 21:15-20)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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