What Mode of Travel Do You Use?

A DONKEY NOT A TANK

Many times we wonder where someone's allegiance lies. At election time, politicians and others are very coy—let's see how the wind blows and then we will make our decision. This is not the way of Jesus. He expects his disciples to show their allegiance and stick with that regardless of the circumstances.

Each disciple is on a journey. This journey may be unpredictable, painful and very tiring. It may be a demanding uphill struggle whereas at other times it may be refreshingly exhilarating. The latter is like snowboarding, a thrilling experience. But what if snowboarding, like life's journey, were an uphill climb? Certain not a snowboarder's thrill!

The good thing about Christ's demands for discipleship is that a person is not alone on this journey. Relationships are vital for a healthy ride. Whether parents, friends, mentors or others, all are important in making one's journey bearable. Sometimes this requires a desert posture—stumbling forward to keep up the march. Sometimes this requires a firm stance and careful march, allowing for a long haul under God's careful direction.

Travelling along with Christ means submission and following. Christ expects relationships of peace to fill one's time. In times of strife, in times of hatred, in times of domination Christ wants us to use his means of transportation. This does not mean weakness or contempt, but it does mean riding without power.

Christ's power was shown as he rode a donkey. This rather unorthodox means of travel still brought out the cheering crowds and Christ followers. People flocked to him.

The power of the donkey draws people. The power of a tank dispels people in fear. How much better to ride a donkey and not a tank.

                        

By Gilbert G. Brandt (10-10-17)

Inspired by Josh Reimer and Gerry Derksen

Sermon Notes – Gerry’s Message

FORMED BY PRAYER

Matthew 6:7-15

 

The disciples appealed to Jesus,

"Teach us to pray."

 

Was this to be a lesson in proper wording?

A lesson in the best sequential structure?

Or

Did the request come from deep within the disciples;

From a genuine hunger to see the world as Jesus saw it.

Or

Was this a wistful desire and longing to be like Jesus,

A grounding in the life model of Christ.

Or

Was this merely the rote learning of words

So easily memorized, then soon shallow and non-thinking verbiage.

 

The prayer of Jesus

Was a prayer for disciples, grounded in God.

 

Jesus prayed as a loving "Abba" parent

For those who grasped this close relationship to God.

And

For those who recognized God's kingdom within themselves

But not only in them but in people 'round the world.

And

For those who saw the need to share the ample bread

With those so constantly without the means to gain aliveness.

And

For those who asked for that which they are willing to share,

To extend these benefits to others close and far away.

 

May we want to be like Jesus and may this prayer become ours

As Jesus demonstrates the kingdom for us to see and emulate.

 

By Gilbert G. Brandt,

    Based on a sermon by Gerry Derksen \2010-10-03