Saturday night at church, Derek did the coolest sermon on Jesus calling his disciples. Over 40 times in the New Testament, Jesus is called 'Rabbi'. Derek talked about how prestigious it was to become a Rabbi back then. When you were 6, you went to school and learned all about the Old Testament and memorized the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible- hello! Have you read Numbers??) You stayed there until you were 9. After that, most students were sent back home to learn their family trade but the best of the best got to go to Level 2 Rabbi school- there, they memorized more of the Old Testament & learned about interpretation. This lasted until age 13. Then, most students went back to their families to follow in the trade and what-have-you. But, the best of the best of the best went on to Level 3 Rabi school. Basically at this point, you find a renowned rabi and you beg him to take you on as his disciple. He would give you some kind of test and if you passed, you could follow him around everywhere hoping to become like him. If you didn't pass, he'd tell you to go home, love God, do your trade but he didn't accept you as a student.
What was wild about Jesus is that he called these fishermen. Basically, because they were fishermen this meant that they didn't make it through Rabi school. Plus, they didn't have to come begging him to let them be his shadow- he said, "C'mon" and they went. These misfits. Following the Brilliant Creator of the Universe! It reminded me what an honor it is to know Him & follow Him. Who am I that he would call me & save me from my selfishness? Who are we that he would let us learn from Him & change us to become more like Him? Who are we that He offers us his friendship?
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my load is light."
-Matthew 11:29-30
11 comments:
Do you happen to go to Grace Baptist????
Whoa, how'd you know that?
I am blessed by your post!
Molly (my cousin) went there when she lived in Erie (the one who is married to John Piper's son)...Molly's bff is Danielle, I have met Danielle a couple of times in the past and I read her blog on here, Danielle works at Grace Baptist and so does her husband Dave Hartland (I think she does secretarial work and he does filming etc) and they are good friends w/Derek.....LOL, so when you talked about a sermon by Derek that was the logical choice.
I also can't believe I said "BFF"
Oh my goodness! I go to Grace Baptist too! I love it there. We just moved here in October from AZ.
There...I finally created an i.d. so I don't look so random! (I posted the last anonymous comment). Anyhoo, I'm sure that you're enjoying the warmer weather too!
Yeah...that sermon was awesome. Derek is an amazing preacher.
(also, i do graphic design and communications at the church....i don't have the patience to be a secretary) ;-)
W-H-A-T-E-V-E-R, Danielle heheheh...if you have time to post comments on here then WHERE IS YOUR 40 cloves of chicken smartie pants.
I'm glad the sermon was a blessing to you. I know the preparation of it was a blessing to me.
jeeeze, you owe me *blush*, now i have the whole congregation posting on your blog.....you can thank me with a check in the mail hehehehehe.
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