There was a collection of Jewish writings out there during Jesus’ time on earth called the Pirkei Avot. It filled with sayings and wisdom about how to live a life well before God. Individuals would follow a rabbi who would train them and in this book, it calls those who would learn from a religious teacher should “be covered in the dust of one’s rabbi.” To train as a disciple with a rabbi in Jesus’ day meant to engage in sort of an immersion experience. The teaching meant that a true disciple should follow their rabbi so closely that they would become covered in the dust kicked up by his feet. To be that disciple you had to be both devoted and intentional in your focus. You didn’t just listen to the rabbi teach, but you did your utmost to have your identity transformed. The idea was that you would be in the constant presence of the rabbi so much that you couldn’t help but model yourself on the lifestyle and actions and character of the one you were following. The idea was that you would absorb his identity and become like him. That’s what people thought of when Jesus called them to be his disciples. That they and now we would be so close to him that “his dust” would cover us too. Jesus didn’t call us to just believe in him…but to follow him and to be conformed to his image. So much so, that people can see the “family” resemblance. A lot of folks are content to be converts…but Jesus always called people to become disciples. Easy? No. Worth it? You bet. So take a look at your loves, actions, attitudes and life…and see if you are walking so close to Jesus that you are covered in his dust. Say “yes” to the call to follow this Jesus with your heart, mind, strength and soul…and love him so much that you begin to be conformed to his image. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Romans 8:29-30 BSB For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. (30) And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ
Romans 8:29-30 BSB For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. (30) And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ