Discipleship. Calling. Blessings Others. Seeking not to be served, but to serve. No matter how we talk about it or what we call it, these are important components of learning to live a life with Christ at the center of our lives.
I just came back from Capernaum camp, which is one that focuses on giving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, develop fulfilling friendships and challenge their limits while building self-esteem.
In Mark 2, there is a story of four able-bodied men and their friend with a disability. All four of them are excited for their friend to see Jesus, the talk of the town in Capernaum, the men carried him on a mat to a home where Jesus was teaching. When the friends arrived, crowds already there prevented the men from getting their friend anywhere close to Jesus. Fearlessly, they carried him to the roof where they cut a hole through layers of straw and hardened mud, and lowered the man to Jesus’ feet.
Moved by their bold faith, Jesus restored the man with a disability to wholeness and health. The lives of all five men, the crowd who witnessed the event — were never the same.
This ministry is called Capernaum because individuals involved in the ministry do not believe that these adolescents with disabilities should be kept from the presence of the One who promises fullness of life.
As disciples of the Lord, helping others is a small part of what we are called to do. By helping others, it also stirs within us a deep desire to be the person Christ created us to be and our calling to expand the Kingdom.
The Bible is full of illustrations that encourage us to share the Gospel with others. Whether it’s to unbelievers or people of other faiths and beliefs, as Christians it is our responsibility to joyfully advance the kingdom of God. People need to know about Christ and what he’s done in our lives.
There is always someone whether it be at school, work, church, the grocery store, who doesn’t know Christ. If we humble ourselves and can be kind, patient, loving, and honest and preach the truth, most people will want to know more.
This weekend was just a glimpse of what 2020 will consist of for me, I cannot wait to see what the future holds and share my journey with every single one of you.
