Whom will you follow, where will he take you?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%204-8;&version=47

Tonight at IVCF we had a speaker come and talk to us about Jesus. First of all, let me say that I do not appreciate young pastors that much because it seems that they try to appeal too much to young people rather than concentrate on their message. Second, thinking back, you don’t really see that many messages/speeches/sermons talking just about Jesus.

Well, this young pastor from Grace church came to talk to us about Jesus and his journey to the other side.

Basically, the situation was that Israel lived on one side of the Sea of Galilee, whereas these 7 nations of Canaan lived on the other side. These 7 nations were the exact opposite of the Israelites – they worshipped pigs, engaged in sex, violence, and other bad stuff in their pagan temples, they worshipped money, and were all but godly people. Also, the Roman legions were placed here. Now, one day, imagine, Jesus decides to go and take a trip to the other side… His disciples must have been afraid quite a lot. Actually the pastor made a point that in the big storm which Jesus stopped, these disciples probably thought it was a sign from God not to go to the other side.

Once there, the only person they meet is this crazy man who lives in tombs (probably didn’t smell or look that well) who had a demon in him whose name was Legion (connection to Romans here). Here Jesus makes the demons go into a herd of pigs that eventually all end up drowning. How cool is that? Amazing! The story goes on…

This man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus told him to go and tell others about the miracle that happened to him. Now, in all other circumstances, Jesus usually tells people not to tell anyone and to follow Him, here He does the exact opposite (apparently Jesus knew what would work the best here J

Next, Jesus goes back to the east bank (Israel) where He feeds 5 thousand. This is important later.

Then in Mark 7, Jesus decides to go back to the other side (as if once was not enough). This time, He is welcomed by a big crowd of people. Why? Because the one demon-possessed man told them! Imagine how God used this one man to spread the word! Amazing, and he used to be such an outcast… The story goes on up to the point where Jesus feeds the 4 thousand.

Now, the pastor stopped here to compare these feedings:

Feeding 5 thousand

                They were all from the ‘good’ side

Disciples were the ones to remind Jesus of people’s hunger after 1 day

Jesus fed them and 12 baskets were left over (as in 12 tribes of Israel)

Feeding 4 thousand

                They were all from the ‘other side’

                Jesus had to point out to people’s hunger after 3 days!!! Of them following Him

                Jesus fed them and 7 baskets were left over (as in 7 nations of Canaan)

The common theme here is that God cares for all people, no matter which side they came from, Jesus had compassion for them and brings them the good news of salvation.

Now, a lesson learned:

It is great to admire and love Jesus, but… we should follow Him too.

Yes, Jesus is my hero. He was a great leader, knew when to say things, what to do and what not to do. He did not sin. He had compassion and cared for those who did not know Him.  Jesus is my example and teacher. If I could be at least 10% or even 1% as good as Him that would be super amazing (again I’m not really sure about how you calculate that…). Here is the main point though, it is not enough just to admire Him like we admire Sidney Crosby (I doubt that the majority of his fans know how to play hockey), we as Christians should strive to be like Him, even if it means going to the other side and feeling uncomfortable.

What does it mean for us to go to the other side? One example given to us by the pastor was just to talk to people about Jesus. Yeah, scary right? But honestly, what is the worst that can happen?

Would you rather be fruitless, feel admired, but not able to look God in the eyes because of not having enough courage to speak up?

Or would you rather feel a little awkward at times but able to come to God and say ‘I tried’ and go to sleep with peace of mind?

Here is a last thought that sounded sort of important to me, that is how do we start a conversation about God? – it may be quite challenging. One advice that was given to us: Don’t start with

‘Where would you want to go if you died tonight?’ rather ask

‘When you wake up tomorrow, what will your life be? Whom will you follow? Where will he take you?