t h e g r a b b l e . c o m

The Focus

Before Jesus preached his first sermon or performed his first miracle, He called a few men to His side. He insisted that they obey; to leave all that they had and to follow Him. These men, though perfectly unremarkable, were the focus of his ministry. I will say it again: these ragtag group of men were the pillar of his ministry. Everything else Jesus did, save for His crucifixion, was subservient to this Master-to-disciple relationship. Together they walked, talked, traveled, healed, ate, drank, laughed, cried, joked, debated, read and prayed. Jesus was there to see His disciples boast, complain, rejoice, curse, love and even fail. And they were there to see how Life lived.

His Genius

This sort of training is long and difficult. But Jesus knew it was the only way that people could be saved. Without able shepherds, sheep die. Without faithful shepherds, sheep eventually go astray. If that ragtag bunch failed in their training, all hope would be lost. Sermons or miracles alone would not sustain a true revolution through the ages. Men were Jesus’ method. And He wants us to embrace that same principle.

A Battle

Invisible forces wage war all around us. The Christian sees life as it truly is–a battle. It is a violent struggle between light and darkness. All this you’ve heard many a preacher proclaim. But that is not to say that the Christian has lost his ability to enjoy life. He does not go around with a painful, long face and a trigger-happy mistrust of people. One shouldn’t be afraid to befriend him. He is called to ready himself for battle, of course; but don’t take that to mean he’s prone to violent paranoia.

The Ending

You see, the Christian knows the outcome of the battle. He has flipped right through to the back of the storybook of life. He sees it; the end is a happy and victorious one. O! Never has any creature imagined a victory so magnificent! As far as the eye can see, quivering enemies lie prostrate on the ground! On the hill in the middle of the plain stands a glorious warrior, with all the power and might of the galaxies. One stroke of his sword and the mountains are leveled. He needs only command, and the sun would be snuffed out. That is the Savior King, Jesus the Son of God.

Your Role

“Go, make disciples of all nations…”

He invites you to join Him on this path to Victory Hill–not because He needs you. He alone has fought and has won. You have been invited to a grand feast, and have been commanded to bring along as many people as you can. But time is running out. The doors are about to close. The banquet is about to begin.