We are still on Book Two of these awesome devotionals based on The Chosen series, and the next two days, I am going to point us to some entries that are written in a very interesting way. For today, let’s talk about Day 19 called “Follower,” which is composed in the form of a conversation between a Reporter and one of the followers of Jesus. We first hear from the Reporter who asks, “The first time you heard Jesus teach was the day before the infamous ‘Bread of Life’ statement, on the mountainside near Bethsaida?” (p83) The Follower confirms and mentions how hungry they all became because they had been listening to Jesus all day, mesmerized by His words. This female Follower goes on to talk about how Jesus multiplied the bread and fish…let me pause here.
Can you imagine being physically present when Jesus performs such an amazing miracle? Can you envision then someone interviewing you so you can share the way you have experienced your encounter with Him? Well, may I remind us all that we can know exactly how this feels. As we said last week, Salvation is by far the greatest miracle our Savior has ever accomplished. And we now have the honor, and pleasure, to be able to share it with whoever wants to “interview” us about it all. Too many believers claim to be intimidated by the prospect of sharing their Faith with others. Yet if we think of it as simply reporting what has happened to us, it can definitely take the pressure off our shoulders. And this is the most powerful way to give an account of the Gospel. Why? Because it is our personal story, about our personal experiences. Who can dare say it is not real when it has really happened to you?
This interview with the Follower ends with her saying why she was not offended when Jesus proclaimed that He is the Bread of Life. She’s says, “If taken literally, they would be [shocking words]. I agree it’s a hard teaching, but it’s not difficult to understand. I choose to accept that Jesus has come down from heaven to nourish us and give us eternal life.” (p85) Like this witness, the more open we are to share our heart about Jesus, the more the Holy Spirit will give us the insight and words needed to report our experience. And hopefully, the more people we can bring to Christ too.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
