As they followed they were afraid. —Mark 10:32
At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before Him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is far ahead of us and is beginning to seem different and unfamiliar— “Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed” (Mark 10:32).
There is an aspect of Jesus that chills even a disciple’s heart to its depth and makes his entire spiritual life gasp for air. This unusual Person with His face set “like a flint” (Isaiah 50:7) is walking with great determination ahead of me, and He strikes terror right through me. He no longer seems to be my Counselor and Friend and has a point of view about which I know nothing. All I can do is stand and stare at Him in amazement. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realize that there is a distance between Jesus and me and I can no longer be intimate with Him. I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely distant.
Jesus Christ had to understand fully every sin and sorrow that human beings could experience, and that is what makes Him seem unfamiliar. When we see this aspect of Him, we realize we really don’t know Him. We don’t recognize even one characteristic of His life, and we don’t know how to begin to follow Him. He is far ahead of us, a Leader who seems totally unfamiliar, and we have no friendship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is an essential lesson which a disciple must learn. The danger is that we tend to look back on our times of obedience and on our past sacrifices to God in an effort to keep our enthusiasm for Him strong (see Isaiah 50:10-11). But when the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come the ability to follow Jesus truly, which brings inexpressibly wonderful joy.
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Journal Entry for Today-JDV
March 15, 2017
Lord, it seems that Chambers is telling us to “suck it up” and follow Jesus in spite of our fear and dismay. That we are to “press on” anyway. However, the disciples were afraid because Jesus had burst their “bubble” regarding His, and their, pending status with the Romans and Pharisees. Their fear seemed to be justified and very real…their lives were, or would shortly be in danger, and they knew this. And if my knowledge of the series of events at that time are accurate, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given them.
Then what are we to do when it appears that our hopes, expectations and dreams have collapsed or are about to collapse around us, and we know that our lives and/or lifestyle may be in jeopardy? Are we to “suck it up” and “press on”? If so, that has not worked out too well for me historically. When things in life unravel, after I have surrendered and tried to stay close to You, dismay is only one of the fear based emotions I feel. Is this OK? What else can I do?
And God says…”You have received the Holy Spirit, just as the disciples would a few days later. The Holy Spirit combined with the vision I have given you will allow you to live in eager anticipation of what will happen, regardless of your circumstances. You do not have to “suck it up” or “press on”; you can live in eager anticipation of My promises. You can live in heart pounding, adrenalized, anticipation of what is about to unfold in your life and the lives of those you love.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your might and do not relay on your own ways, means and understanding and I will make your paths straight. Seek first the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will provide everything else you require, including the vision for an exciting and fulfilling tomorrow. My people perish from a lack of vision. Take hold of the vision I have or will provide you at your request, and remember that I make all things new again.”
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