In the midst of all our pomp and fluff, all our pretense and politics, the pendulum swaying from arrogance and ignorance; the Christian faith is really about one thing: being a disciple and being used by Christ to help develop more disciples. We get so bogged down by musical styles, intelectual practicality, and theological concepts. We are so busy building up our walls of self defense and fighting to win against foes that we ought to call friends. We allow ourselves to be distracted by small pursuits in big baggy clothing, to let fear and uncertainty immobilize us, and to segregate ourselves into familiarity.
The only thing that really matters, the bottom line, the thing that ought to define The Church, is becoming disciples. I was reading about Peter walking on water recently. The waves are high, the winds are uncertain, and Peter sees Jesus walking out on the lake. I don't know how you normally imagine the story, but I always thought in that instant that Peter's thinking was, "Wow, this is cool, I want to walk on water!!" So, he calls out to Jesus and gets a good distance before his doubt creeps in and he begins to sink. Maybe I imagined Peter thinking this way because, well, I want to walk on water. I think that would probably be pretty awesome.
With all his faults, Peter really does love Jesus. He is brash and often slow to get the point. But his redeeming quality is adoration. Maybe, in the midst of those uncertain winds and dangerously high waves, Peter is filled with concern for Jesus. A foolish idea, because Jesus certainly does not need any help. But Peter is brash. In any case, Peter is the only disciple who wants to be with Jesus desperately enough to call out to Him, and be beckoned beyond the boat. I think Peter is obsessed with the Presence of God. That is why he wants to walk on water. He wants to be where Jesus is. So much so that the reality of the miracle may have not sunk in (pun intended) immediately, and when it finally does is when his head starts to get in the way. A few months down the timeline, I think it could possibly be that Peter's removal from Jesus' Presence is what causes the unthinkeable: his denial of his King. Apart from Jesus, He is an idiot, confused and frightened. But in the Presence he so desperately adores, He is a Rock on which the whole church is built.
Becoming a disciple is about one thing and one thing alone: being completely addicted to the Presence of Jesus. We don't need people willing to take political stances, we need people desperate to be where God is.
I have a lot of faults. I can be brash, unorganized, etc. I am a complete idiot when I, all-too-often, linger away from the Presence of God. But I do love Jesus. I am addicted to the Presence of God. As a professional minister, all I ever wanted was for our youth to enter into the becoming of a disciple. I have given my whole life to see them realize that calling on their lives. I am in the process of becoming a disciple. And I say that in complete humility, for it is not by my strength, but through Christ who dwells within me. I am an idiot without Him.
The best thing I found about the story of Peter walking on water: it is only told in one gospel, Matthew. The other accounts talk about Jesus but make no mention of Peter hoping over the ledge. In the end, this story is MUCH more about Jesus walking on water than anything else. Peter just wants to tag along. The Body of Christ is too flooded with people trying to make a name for themselves, churches working hard to keep up appearances and hold some community prestige. We need to be addicted to the Presence of Christ, at any and all costs to ourselves. Because God is love. And love is sacrifice. Becoming a disciple will cost us everything. Step into the background. Tag along in fascination with the Kingdom of Heaven. Be fervent and passionate, with unyielding resolve to love. Get out of the boat, winds and waves be damned. Stumble and sway your way imperfectly toward the author of Perfection. Throw yourself completely into the becoming of a disciple. Remember, when you start to drown, that you are already dead and that the Presence of Jesus brings life and salvation.
