LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 9:9, As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office.  And He said to him, “Follow Me.”  So he arose and followed Him.  (Emphasis was added by me.)

 

I am sure I have referred to this book before; I sense a need to do so again.  While teaching at First Baptist Academy I had my Senior Bible Class read the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman.  I recommend that each of you find the book and read it!  In the book, Idleman defines a “fan of Jesus” as “an enthusiastic admirer, one who cheers for Him when things are going well, but who walks away when it’s a difficult season.  Idleman goes on to say that “the biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ.  They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”

 

Take a close look at what Jesus said to Matthew!  He said, “Follow Me.”  He did not say, “walk along and cheer Me on as I go through My time on earth.”  Jesus did not want His followers to admire Him; He taught that they must be devoted to Him.  I cannot think of an organized religion that is not based on a set of rules and works in order to get into heaven.  Christianity is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ; following “rules and works will follow the relationship. 

 

I had the wonderful opportunity to do some coaching during many years as an educator.  There have been many pats on the back and just as many not so kind fans who seemed to have a better idea than me.  Even in the NCAA Basketball tournament fans have sent death wishes to players on losing teams.  Fans are part of the game; players want to play before the crowd.  Being a part of the crowd is comfortable according to Idleman.    

 

After Jesus fed the thousands with a little boy’s fish and bread, He went to Capernaum with His disciples.  The crowd followed Him because they wanted Him to feed them; He declined to do so because the crowd, the “fans”, were only there for the food.  The point is He wanted them there because they were His “followers.”  When they did not get fed, they left.

 

So why write about this today?  The answer lies in each one us of taking an account of what we believe.  When it comes to following Jesus are you a part of the crowd, in the stands watching?

Are you a “fan” who is with Jesus while the times are good?  If so, I ask you to consider getting into the game and doing what Jesus said to Matthew.  Follow Him! 

 

The days we are in are troubling to me; they do not seem to be getting better.  I believe that each of us will have to decide, to declare whether we are a fan or a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The reality is that each of us is either a fan or a follower.   Which are you?

 

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