Disciples of Jesus never retire. They never graduate from the School of Jesus this side of heaven. Linda and I learned this from our parents.
We had parents who followed and served Jesus until the day they died. For example, my parents' church had a large outdoor concert amphitheater that sat 3000 people. During the summer months famous Christian musicians came and did concerts. After a concert was over, the place was littered with waste paper. My parents, who were in their seventies, with other elderly couples, would return the next day with garbage bags and pick up all the trash. They were great servants!
Linda's father lived with us for seven years. He was in his eighties. Every Saturday morning I would drop him off at the local mall. He would stay in the food court, and approach people to tell them about Jesus. The mall managers heard of this, and asked him not to bother people anymore. But Linda's dad was not to be stopped!
He had a t-shirt made, with the words on it: "Let's talk about Jesus." He kept going to the mall on Saturday mornings, wearing the new t-shirt. After he died, we had it made into a pillow. Here it is.
When I enlisted in the Army National Guard, I signed up for six years. I kept my commitment. When I said my vows to Linda on our wedding day, we signed up for life, until death separates us. We have kept our vows.
When I was twenty years old and said "yes" to Jesus, I told him I would be His disciple for the rest of my life, and into eternity. This Spring I will celebrate fifty-four years of discipleship. I have never regretted this. I thank God for changing my life forever!
The Bible presents life as a race, where people run towards a finish line that has a prize. Linda and I not only plan on finishing, but finishing well. Discipleship, like a marriage, is a life commitment. Disciples don't retire from the great race.
You are Jesus' disciples. May you run well, and finish strong!
DECLARATIONS
I am running with Jesus, stronger than ever!
I have placed the cross before me, and the world behind me.
I love You Lord, and I'll never stop loving You.
I thank God that He has not asked me to retire from following and serving Him!
From my book 31 Letters to the Church on Discipleship.
