Our first steps as disciples of Jesus are critical.

First steps of discipleship are crucial...

Many of us like the idea of God in general, but not God in specific. Even IF specific, we like the idea of "God the Father," a loving, benevolent patriarch whose sole joy is our soul's joy. However, we often do not like the idea of God the Father as a chastening father.

We are wise to consider fully the godhead, surely the apotheosis of all goodness and righteousness, because without considering the fullness, we miss the Reality, and thus create some false god, and choose it over the True and Living God.

I nearly digress; nearly. My point narrows here; we must consider the fullness of God, and, here, today, let us consider the nature of being disciples.

A disciple is "a learner, follower, pupil." In antiquity, a disciple sought a master. In Christendom, the Master seeks disciples. We don't choose Him; He chooses us.

In antiquity, a disciple sought a master and placed themselves under their teacher. Such a disciple did their master's bidding... by choice. They learned from the master, discerned and mirrored their master's wisdom and ways, and intentionally placed themselves at their master's disposal. Their master taught them a certain way, and learners walked in that way.

In "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "When we are called to follow Christ, we are summoned to an exclusive attachment to his person." Indeed, allegiance, adherence, and attachment to Christ is the key to proper, true discipleship.

So then, first steps are important. Dr. Bonhoeffer, a few pages later, continues by explaining the importance of first steps: "If we would follow Jesus we must take certain definite steps. The first step, which follows the call, cuts the disciple off from his previous existence. The call at once produces a new situation. To stay in the old situation makes discipleship impossible."

Ah... here is the sticking point. We often want Gentle Father, but not at the loss of self. We often want Compassionate Brother, but not at the loss of self. We often want, Helping Spirit, but not at the loss of self. However, the very nature of discipleship is leaving one's way to learn and follow another's way.

Take note of Jesus calling some disciples: "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:18-19 ESV)

Do you see it?
"Follow me..." -- Jesus leads.
"...I will..." -- Jesus determines.
"...make you..." -- Jesus shapes.
...fishers of men." -- Jesus gives employ.

Are we disciples of Jesus? Do we fully appreciate this aspect of the Living God? Do we embrace the Master with intentional following? Do we admire a god of our creation or do we adhere to the God who created us?