Many of you may remember that a few years ago, I preached a series of messages entitled, “Extreme Discipleship – The Normal Christian Life”. In the first message, I underscored the definition of a true disciple according to the words of Christ. “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24)
Self-preservation may be the human thing to do. However, this is not the first priority of a true disciple. A true disciple will be willing to risk it all for the sake of Christ. His desire to follow Christ, to glorify Him, and to fulfil His purpose overshadows his need for protection, safety and self-gratification. He denies himself and leads a life of dying to self in order to follow Christ and please Him fully. This is the entry point of Christian discipleship!
However, true discipleship is only manifested when obedience to God may jeopardise our self-interest or safety. This is when we know if our commitment to Christ is true. If it is, our faith in Him will rise beyond our fears. Our commitment to worship Him in His house will triumph our cowardly concern for safety. Yes, we must take precautions in light of this Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and we have. Yet, our safety and protection come only from the Lord.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)
Come, and worship Him together in the house of the Lord this weekend, all who are true extreme disciples of Christ!
- Apostolic Overseer Lawrence Khong
