Musing – Are we supposed to focus on membership in our churches?

Hebraic Musing – Are we supposed to focus on membership in our churches?

Or were we called to do something else.  Well, let’s find out what Jesus commanded us to do.  In red letters, Jesus commanded us – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Matt 28:19-20.  May I suggest three ways to make disciples, instead of ‘sit, soak and sour’ church members/attendees.

First and most important is to watch our Halakhah (Hebrew for ‘way of walking’).  Our example of obedience to His Mitzvot (Hebrew for “Good Deeds”) is the foundation for making disciples.  If people are to follow you, how do you “walk”?  (BTW, you probably use your feet.)   Can you expect others to “do as I say, not as I do”?

Second, wash other people’s feet, literally if necessary.  In a practical sense, be willing to recognize that people have to walk in worldly, nasty, difficult and unclean areas of life.  Help them clean up – wash their feet, forgive them, understand them, guide them.  Jesus cleaned up His apostles from the bottom up in John 13:12-15   When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.  "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” NIV    Are we better than Jesus?

Third, demonstrate to the new believer and to yourself a desire to share the awesome gift you have received.  Listen to Isaiah --  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isa. 52:7   

Wow!  God’s word has a lot to say about our feet!  What does it take to have beautiful feet?

When I look at my feet, they are pretty ugly and messed up.  I hope that when Yeshua looks at my feet, he sees beauty. It starts with our obedience and compliance to the Mitzvot, advice from our loving Father God.  Only then can we disciple others effectively.

Points to ponder

Do you want members or disciples in your church?

How’s your Halakhah?

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                            September 9, 2014                       

Books author “Hebraic Insights” and  “Biblical Marriage”
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings”
Twitter  @YosefBrusherd
Yosef1@cox.net  or  www.InsightsByYosef.com