A fan defined is "An enthusiastic admirer". I think that perfectly defined my relationship with Jesus. I admired who He was and what He did for me, but I never really thought I needed or had any part beyond that.
Scripture is clear on this...Jesus does not want fans, He wants followers. The difference is clear. Fans are close enough to experience the benefits without being so close to have to actually participate. Nothing is required of a fan, nothing at all. As a matter of fact the only real benefit is to the one being admired by the fans.
Jesus is everything to everyone, and He is in need of nothing. There is nothing any amount of fans could offer Him. Yet we seem to be building stadiums over sanctuaries, and judging a church by it's numbers over it's impact. Churches are becoming menu driven - and are competing with more and more to offer apparently hoping the best menu wins! Why is this happening?
I believe we have missed the point about what Jesus is offering us. He is not offering a free meal or a hand-out. Jesus wants to gives us what we could never get any where else...eternal life. But it seems we are so focused on the here and now we are missing this. Listen to Jesus the day after He miraculously fed thousands of people:
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw "miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.'" John 6:26
Are you looking for Jesus to see what He will give you next? Or are you willing to follow Him regardless of the cost? Jesus is asking, and you will either answer Him intentionally and actively or not...that is your call. I want to answer Him now, and I want my answer to be clear...how about you?
Celebrating and serving Him...
Pastor Pat
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