When I saw the first Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, I didn’t know what to expect. Wasn’t I surprised? Rapid fire action. Amazing stunts. Thrills galore. There wasn’t a second that I looked away, even in that one scene with all the snakes. And, now, we have Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Pretty good for Harrison Ford – an eighty year actor.
What do you expect in your life of faith? Jesus preps His disciples. There’s going to be action and adventure. There’s going to be thrills.
And, it’s not fiction. People are going to die to sin. People are going to live in faith. And, where there is deceit and deception in the world, Jesus’ disciples will be hated because of how they speak the truth. Jesus doesn’t sugar coat anything, but nor does He leave you without the courage and confidence to follow Him.
What should you expect? Jesus taught, “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Mt 10:21-22)” Jesus knows that His disciples will be tempted to throw in the towel. Their loyalty will be challenged. Their devotion will be strained.
Now, it’s true. The Twelve were on the front lines. They were the first wave that flowed out from being witnesses of His death, resurrection, and ascension, only to be followed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. We would not be here, if it were not for their witness and conviction.
And yet, we should not presume that Jesus’ teaching was only intended for them. We are the next wave. Will we be loyal in our devotion to Him?
We’ve been seduced into thinking that the Good News about Jesus is about being happy, healthy and wealthy. Nothing comes into our lives which hasn’t been ordained or allowed by God. And even the evil, the difficult, the fallen nature of what’s happening in the world – God promises to use it for our good. There’s the real, as opposed to the fiction that God will make life work out on my terms, so that I am happy and fulfilled.
How do we know this? Jesus said, “A disciple is not above His teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. (Mt 10:24-25)”
It is God’s will to change and transform you to be like Jesus, and if Jesus carried the cross that only He could carry, as disciples, you will have your own crosses to carry – in faithfulness and devotion to Him. All the while – it’s your testimony; it’s your witness as one who has been led to follow Jesus.
Some of you  may be thinking, “I don’t remember signing up for this?” Quite frankly it’s unsettling, and Jesus knows this. That’s why He said: “Have no fear. Don’t be afraid. Fear not.” With God on your side, God plus 1 is always a majority. You plus God – have all what it takes to overcome life’s difficulties, while reflecting the goodness of His love and mercy before others.
Your reality is anchored to the cross of His sacrifice. Your reality is anchored to the empty tomb. Your reality is anchored in the gifting and power of the Holy Spirit. How come? You’re baptized into Him.
Your Savior is tender-hearted. He knows your hurt as He felt it Himself, and He is quick to forgive you. He’s cordial, kind, and takes a holy pleasure to be with you when stressed, imperfect, and without all the answers. And, even as you may feel you’re white-knuckling-it through the difficult moments of this life, He takes control. Only then do you have the courage and the conviction to face the suspense.
Jesus comes to you in what appears tragic to create the happy ending, just like Indiana Jones. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’m sure it’s going to end well (one way or another).
And, it’s all going to end well for you, too, because there’s a little twist in this plot. In being real to His promise, what is destined for you? It’s never going to end. Jesus promises to be with you always. What a thrill. •
— By Pastor Neil Stern,
Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton