Discipleship Point
Matthew 18:15
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
~ Jesus,
On Fellowship
In church circles, some people limit their definition of fellowship to those with whom they agree in belief and practice, known as church fellowship. There is room for this understanding, but the idea of fellowship goes beyond that – even in the bible.
Peter, James, and John are prime examples. You may know them as Jesus’ closest disciples, His best friends, His devoted allies. What you may not know is that they already had a fellowship before Jesus came along. When Jesus walks into their lives, they already had a connection: Fishing. The NIV refers to them as partners but it is the same Greek derivative (koinonia) for the word “fellowship”.
Fishing isn’t what made the fellowship, but it did provide an avenue for their fellowship. Interests like work, bowling, theatre, exercise, children, or music provide similar avenues in our lives. As with the first disciples, Jesus can use our current fellowships to break into people’s lives and give them new direction. With Peter, James, and John, He even used the analogy of fishing to make His point, leading to the familiar phrase, "follow me and I will make you fishers of men".
Discipleship Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for fellowship that we share in You as brothers and sisters in Christ. Use our naturally occurring fellowships in life to build other Spirit-led partnerships. Help us to recognize that You desire to become part of our existing fellowships such as work, family, and friends – and let You lead the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:137-144 (Tsadhe, 18th letter)
- You are righteous, LORD,
and your laws are right. - The statutes you have laid down
are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. - My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words. - Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
- Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts. - Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true. - Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight. - Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Mark 1:14-15
Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Over the years, we tend to change our views toward life, God, and His Word. Some get more rigid, other soften. But God and His Word – they stay the same.