‘The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.’ Acts 11:26 NKJV

During the First World War many islanders from the South Pacific fought in the Middle East. Their incredible navigation and sailing skills enabled them silently and stealthily to bring in heavily laden catamarans to the beaches of Israel. They kept open the supply lines for the ANZAC forces, enabling their continual advance. They risked their lives and, in some cases, sacrificed their lives for the benefit of others half a world away. Sacrificing your life for a cause is deeply honourable.

When you think of the sacrifice Jesus made for us so we could have eternal life, would you not gladly lay down your sinful life to become His disciple? Becoming a Christian is the work of a moment; it happens when you place your trust in Christ. But becoming a disciple is the work of a lifetime; it calls for denying yourself and saying yes to the will of God every day of your life. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Three things:

(1) To listen to Him and learn. That calls for reading, studying, memorising, verbalising, and applying the truths taught in the Scriptures to your life each day.

(2) To follow Him wherever He leads. This may call for changing your plans, forfeiting some of your relationships, and giving Him access to things you would like to hold on to.

(3) To be devoted to Him. One day, Jesus said to Peter, ‘Do you love Me more than these?’ (John 21:15 NKJV) Note the word ‘more’. To be a disciple means to love Jesus more than anyone or anything else. And it’s the most fulfilling and rewarding life you can live!

SoulFood: Acts 18–19, Mk 1:35–45, Ps 7:10–17, Prov 11:7–9

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©