Tis the Reason

Mrs. Eaton heard the back door slam and turned to see little Sally dripping mud all over her nice clean floor. 

“Sally, what happened to you?” asked her mother.  “We were playing follow the leader and everything that Bobby did we had to do.”   

Momma continued in her questioning.  “So how does this reasoning add up to your clothes getting so dirty child?”  

Sally went on to tell her tale of how playing follow the leader with her friends led to the grimy kid now standing in the kitchen. 

“Well, Bobby ran around the big oak tree so we ran around the big oak tree. Then we hopped down the dirt path behind the playground pretending we were rabbits.  Then Bobby jumped over the mud puddle near Mrs. Jones’ fence, but when I tried I didn’t quite make it and landed in the middle of it.” 

“Why were you following Bobby in the first place, and why did you do everything he did especially when you saw him jumping over the mud puddle?”  Sally’s mom inquired. 

Sally was quick to respond. “I like Bobby, and after all mom … he was the leader!” 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Martinique; Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand; Málaga, Andalucía & Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain; Uster, Zürich, Switzerland; Gamberale, Abruzzo, Italy; Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India; Cubao, Metro Manila, Philippines; Dominican Republic; Croatia; Ukraine; Kazakhstan; Mariana Islands. 

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I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to be Discipled by Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.

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What Is the Reason? 

I love that story and when my husband shared it with me I smiled picturing Sally missing the landing. It's funny listening to the reasoning behind the stories people tell.  The little puddle jumper sure had her excuses for following someone she looked up to in her social group.  Growing into adulthood it's not that much different is it?

 

There are tons of reasons why we follow after people. As I've gotten more mature (definitely not older), my choices have changed when it comes to those I admire, seek or follow.  It is something that led me into this new series on Daily Favor and questioning the real reason why we follow Jesus.

 

What Is a Disciple?

 

When I began this study on discipleship my thoughts took me between the pages rather than looking at each account as a mere story.  I wondered why anyone may want to be a disciple or follower of an individual.   

First we have to define what a disciple or discipleship means.  In the New Testament the term in Greek refers to anyone who is a learner, student, apprentice or pupil of a mentor or teacher.  Usually we think along the lines of religious leaders when describing discipleship, but that’s not always the case.  

When studying the Bible we learn about many apprenticeships during the Greco-Roman days of the first century. Judaism was well known for this practice in their religious or political fields.  Even the Pharisees had their own type of trainees, claiming to be “disciples” of Moses. (John 9:28 & 29) 

If you were a boy during the time of Christ, Judaism customs were mainly taught at home based on and through learning of the Torah.  Usually the father would teach the young men, and by the time he reached thirteen his formal education ended.   

In order to continue in their training to prepare for a position in the synagogue, become a teacher, scribe or judge, they would have to study under a noted scholar in the field.  

The Bible gives us the Apostle Paul as an example of this when he left home to study law under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem. (Acts 5:34; 22:3)  However our study is going to begin before his time; all the way back to the first New Testament disciples. 

Probably the most well known to have had disciples and followers was the forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist. (Mark 2:18; Luke 11:1; John 3:25; Acts 19:1-7) This is what actually brings us to the reason we follow Jesus. 

Making the Switch 

Let’s go back in time to when an energetic, inquisitive seeker of truth stepped out of his comfort zone to follow someone who seemed to know more than his former instructors.   When it came to facts concerning their coming Messiah, John the Baptist spoke of things no one else had and knew information that had never been heard. 

Born in the fishing village of Bethsaida, young Andrew was a fisherman like his brother Simon Peter.  Steeped in Jewish tradition he anticipated the coming Messiah as told in the Old Testament.   

 

John the Baptist knew about such a person. He traveled from city to city declaring that sinners repent and “prepare (make way) for the Lord.”  This intrigued Andrew leading him to leave the family business to be a follower, disciple of John the Baptist as he journeyed across the land. 

Those who had heard of John often wondered if he was indeed the Messiah, but over and over he dispelled those rumors proclaiming that he was not the Christ. (John 1:20) 

 

One particular day while John was preaching he saw Jesus walking in the distance.  With Andrew and another of his disciples looking on, John pointed at Jesus and said to them: “Look, the Lamb of God.” (John 1:35-36) At that point The Baptist lost a follower or two.  What was the reason for leaving the discipleship of their teacher or leader? 

What Do You Want? 

I don’t know, but I suppose if I was a boy I’d understand why trekking after a wild man in the wilderness who ate locust and honey would interest me. Then again I too might make a switch if I figured the other person could deliver more along the way. 

How many words were literally out of John’s mouth before the two disciples of his fled the scene hoping to track down the man they’ve been expecting all these years?  Before long the boys were stalking Jesus.  Okay, stalk may be a bit exaggerated, but how would people react in this day if two people out of nowhere started following you?  We’d call the police after zapping them with a few good pepper sprays.   

Jesus was continuing on his walk when he noticed he was being followed.  Keeping His cool Jesus spun around saying, “What do you dudes want?  Why are you following Me?” 

This is my husband’s modern day version, but I think we can imagine how it really went that day. 

“Jesus looked around and saw them following. What do you want? He asked them.  They replied, Rabbi (which means Master, Teacher), where are you staying? (Where do you live?) 

Come and see, Jesus said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with Him to where He lived, and they remained with Jesus the rest of the day.” (taken from John 1) 

Could it be possible that the only thing Andrew wanted was to see where Jesus (whom John the Baptist said was the Lamb of God) lived?  Somehow I doubt that was all there was to it.  Little did the new followers know what was in store for them from that point on in their lives. 

Favor from the Start 

Something I found exhilarating is that from the time Andrew met Jesus, he began to experience favor in his life.  Did you take notice of Jesus’ response to a stranger’s request?  “Come and see.”  How many times have you invited a complete stranger to come and check out your “crib”? 

Andrew was basing his moves on what he believed from John the Baptist, and surely if this were the Messiah He would live in a palace or grand mansion.   Just what does a Messiah’s home look like he probably thought, and in his childlike innocence Andrew didn’t hesitate to ask where Jesus lived hoping he’d get a glimpse at a magnificent abode. 

Jesus not only bid the two disciples of John the Baptist to tag along on His way home, but He invited them in for a visit.  What kind of questions do you think rattled out of their mouths?  Andrew would be the first to sit at the feet of the Master as Jesus answered questions for His new follower.   

Did Andrew seek the favor and blessings that came from journeying with Jesus, or was it something else?  What changed in his thinking that turned him from being a follower to a disciple of Christ for the rest of his life? 

 

This Week’s Challenge:

What Tis Your Reason? 

Coming to Christ as a child I really didn’t understand salvation completely. I only knew that I didn’t want to go to hell and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins to prevent it from happening.  The message John the Baptist preached did it for me. 

Working out my salvation (as the Apostle Paul put it) came over time as I learned what accompanied my free gift from God.  Blessings, mercy, grace and favor were things I had to learn from teachers, preachers, mentors and religious leaders knowledgeable of the gospel of Christ.  They could teach me of Jesus, but I had to let the Lord disciple me if I was to be a true follower of the One who gave His life for me. 

When seeking the Lord for guidance in this post He had me answer two important questions.  Looking at my own reasons for following Jesus wasn’t as cut and dry as I would have liked, which brings me to this week’s challenge. 

Ask yourself these two questions and think carefully before answering.  They may seem the same, but they aren’t. 

1 – Why are you following Jesus?

2 – Why do you want to follow Jesus? 

What “tis your true reason” for following Jesus, and why do you want to be “discipled” by Him?  Are you hoping that in doing so you’ll reap bushels of favor and be on His good side?  

Are your reasons for following someone similar to little Sally’s, where you follow anyone just because they are the leader and you like them?  Or are you a young Andrew faithfully seeking the truth of the Messiah who came to save the world? 

Andrew finally found the joy he was searching for when he let Christ became his all. He didn’t turn back on his decision, because Christ was enough for him and everything he needed would now be provided through the Messiah … God’s favor came when Andrew made the decision to let Jesus disciple him for the rest of his earthly journey. 

In the coming weeks we will learn how many follow(ed) Christ for the wrong reason and will hear Him say,  

“[I never knew you] Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NKJV) 

“And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart

from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23 NKJV)

 

What will you hear when you stand before the Lord? 

 

Christ is Enough (for me) –Hillsong

 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, favor begins when you follow the Master! 

“Favor falls on those I disciple.”

Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Notes: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

... and yes the word "discipled" isn't a word used by the world, but that of believers. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

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Mary had a little Lamb

I Believe in Easter by Gary Wilkinson

What do “ewe” first think of when it comes to Easter?  Do you believe in Easter like I do?

When most of us think of Easter certain things immediately pop into our heads: colored eggs, marshmallow chicks, chocolate goodies, furry bunnies and of course, the precious little lamb. 

Not everyone automatically thinks of it as Resurrection Day for Jesus Christ or the message that was to follow the conquering of the cross. 

 

Welcome to this Special Holiday Edition of Daily Favor!

Note: News on Sally the Sheep - see below.

Lambing Season 

It’s “lambing season” as my writer friend and breeder of sheep Titia would call it; something we look forward to each spring.  Her 30 years of expertise lies in the breeding of the rare Dutch sheep called Drenthen Heath Sheep (Drents Heideschaap). 

I first heard of Titia’s lambs on a writing platform where we both worked.  In 2011 she began writing about the birthing process and kindly started naming the newborns after fellow writers.

Over the years she has continued sharing her stories about the lambing seasons and follows up on each of them.  Although lambs are always adorable, there was something else that caught my attention as she shared her experiences through her online pen. 

The Second Chance Sheep 

I’ve never been one to fall asleep counting sheep, although I have dared to try.  Counting sheep stories would even be more tiresome if they were all the same and followed the traditional “cute little lamby pamby” scenario.  That’s why when I began to follow Titia’s sheep stories they stood out from the rest.  The distinctive thing about my friend is the way she treats each lamb that is birthed in her care.   

There are numerous reasons why a newborn animal may be rejected by its mother.  Most breeders think that when a ewe wards off her offspring, it’s a sign of nature, and consequently the newbies of such activity rarely live.  Titia isn’t like those breeders, she believes in second chances for all her lambs.

The Bible refers to people as sheep that have gone astray.  We are in need of someone to see past our flaws and give us a second chance.  Titia’s way of thinking and doing is godly. 

Not a Nursery Rhyme 

As I prepared for this week’s writing the first thing that came to mind was “Mary had a little lamb,” and I’m not referring to the nursery rhyme.  

 

Following the stories of my friend led me back over 2,000 years when another lamb was born in Bethlehem … one that Mary the mother of Jesus would have to sacrifice one day because of sin that had come into the world.  

“But now the Righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the Righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. 

For there is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His Righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His Righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21-26 NKJV)

God would send His Son, Jesus, a human lamb that would replace the sacrifice of lambs of all breeders.  The Lamb of God would be the second chance that we would all need, but not all would believe is necessary. 

Like some of the breeders Titia refers to in her writings, not everyone believes in second chances, good outcomes or taking on that which was rejected.  Thankfully we have a God that doesn’t think that way and Jesus understands exactly how we feel. 

Today is Good Friday, a Holy day in which we remember the death of Jesus Christ who was crucified for sinners.  Many places of business close their doors at 2 PM as a gesture of “holiness” and good practice for those who do follow the Messiah.  Oh how we forget what happened between 9 AM – 3 PM. 

When you see films or photographs they depict Mary as broken and distraught over the death of her little lamb, her son who would be born with the “soul” purpose of dying.  Those scenes bother me tremendously for several reasons.  Yes, Mary would see her son crucified, something that would tear at her heart, but we’ve forgotten something. 

 

 

What we forget is that Jesus didn’t stay the little lamb in flesh, but in spirit.  Jesus was pure in every aspect of His life, without spot or blemish. This is something Mary never would forget.  The Bible tells us that Mary was fully aware of the day her Son would be led to the slaughter like a sheep, and that she “pondered these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) 

Although it may be hard for us to understand this concept, God didn’t leave Mary unprepared.  She would see God’s purpose for Jesus carried out in her lifetime. 

 

Mary would bear witness of who really believed the message Jesus proclaimed and see the powerful arm of God when she stood at the foot of the cross.  Her eyes would gaze on the Son of Man being rejected, despised, weakened in flesh, and weighed down by sorrows sickness and disease.  

She saw a sinless individual take on the punishment of sin for all stray sheep (mankind) and submit to the Will of the Heavenly Father without opening His mouth for reprieve. (Isaiah 53) 

Mary’s lamb was always the sacrificed sheep from the day He was born. There would be no other substitute before or after Jesus’ birth. This wasn’t a concept she had to come to believe.  It was already in her heart from conception. 

Mourning Turned to Gladness 

We assume that Mary was full of tears and doubt when she saw Jesus’ lifeless body being removed from the cross.  However, there is nothing to bear this as truth except our own feeling of losing a loved one to death, especially a child.  

After the cross we next hear of Mary waiting her assignment from her risen Son and Savior as she prayed in the Upper Room with the rest of the believers. If she was stricken with grief, would she have followed such an instruction, or was it merely wishing the words of Christ would come to pass? 

How glorious to be in Mary’s position.  How pleased Jesus was to be that little lamb.  Those who looked upon the death of Christ saw it as loss, but Mary knew there was something to be gained.  She believed God and in Him.

Caring for God’s Lambs 

Newborn " Cooper" black Drenthe Heathe Sheep lamb

Photo Source: © Titia Geertman

Photo used by permission.

 

On Thursday, April 2, 2015 a new lamb called "Cooper" was born (namesake of another writer), to breeder Titia.  He is twin to brother Brad.

This little one will be loved and cared for in every aspect of his entire life, not only as a lamb but into adulthood. 

He is a reminder of lambs being born into the body of Christ each day; precious, hungry and waiting to be fed. 

Unlike Cooper, who has someone to watch over and guide him, there are thousands coming into the fold of Christ without caregivers.  

New believers or “lambies” often receive tremendous favor from God and have tons of bottled up energy bursting to be released. Lamb believers are sweet and full of excitement that the seasoned sheep sometimes don’t want to be bothered with or resent.  Lambs will eventually become sheep, and all sheep need to be shepherded. 

Just as Mary knew what was to come of her little lamb, scripture tells us what happens to those who fall away or never believe in the Son of God as the redeemer of sins and giver of eternal life. 

Those who remain in unbelief give up on hope, second chances and their part in the Resurrection.  If you have accepted Jesus as the Christ, Messiah and Living Son of God, it is part of your resurrection contract for eternal life to share what you know about the Word of God. 

Beyond the Cross 

Jesus, risen Son of God, thank You for the price paid and the victorious work of the Cross.  The tomb is empty giving hope forever more, with life everlasting.

 

Thank You for taking our sin and shame. Thank You for loving so much that You grant amazing favor, mercy and grace. You are worthy; Holy is the Lamb of God! 

Jesus is the Son of God, seated on His Throne in Heaven. Our Passover Lamb Christ Jesus who took our place on the cross, is worthy of our praise, but He is also worthy of our sharing the message of the Resurrection not just the cross.  

 

 

This Week’s Challenge:

Adopt a Lamb 

Sharing responsibility for a living thing is a tremendous undertaking as Titia would attest.  However, taking part in the eternal life of an individual is something that requires much favor from God if it is to be effective in changing that soul. 

Our challenge this week won’t be one that ends in seven days.  It is something that we want to do as an ongoing part of the flock of our Good Shepherd Jesus. God would have us “Adopt a lamb”, a new believer, by putting their name in your heart continually as if they were your own (like God did with you). 

 

In your prayers this week, ask the Lord who needs tending to when it comes to new lambs among the Christian flock.  Instead of just praying for them, get involved as an elder sheep by seeing to some of their needs spiritually.  Lead them to services such as small group classes for new believers, and even attend them with the lamb if need be in the beginning sessions. (Hebrews 3)  

Bring new believers to church socials, invite them to Christian fellowship dinners and provide them with literature or materials that will help them grow in their faith. Mind you, this isn’t to persuade them to your way of thinking, but to encourage them to seek God’s will and way for their life.  It’s their journey; lead them to the path of God. 

 

If you are not a lamb ... child of God's, you can be right now.  Read what to do here.

Mary gave birth to Jesus, God’s first little lamb; for Him it’s always lambing season. As we remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus this week, let us thank Him for the cross and be mindful that:

The Lamb of God’s message is still being birthed,

because lambing season is always in season!

 

Worthy is the Lamb with Lyrics

 

Worthy Is The Lamb with Cry Out for You - Darlene Zschech

 

Until next time, favor comes to all who believe.

Special thanks to Titia for her kindness.  Read more about Titia my Dutch friend.

 

Sally the beloved virtual sheep has moved!  She is a reminder that all sheep (human or creature) have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, so Sally now lives at Favored Pets.

 

“I favored you on the cross.”

Jesus Christ

 

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Behold, The Lamb of God Plaque of John 12:9

 
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Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image: I Believe in Easter   Lambing Season  Manger Shadow Cross  Jesus Lamb of God John 1:12  Upper Room  Beyond the Cross
Poem: Mary Had A Little Lamb by Sarah Josepha Hale
Public Domain Mary Had a Little Lamb
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.