One of Them

Have you ever been so engrossed in a book that you feel like you are one of the characters? This has happened to me sooooo many times. I remember when I was younger I was reading this series and got so into it that when I was shopping I said "Shannon would love this"..... Shannon was one of the characters in my book.

Recently, I have had this experience again but this time reading the book of Mark. Reading though I feel like I am one of the disciples. I am walking beside them, having the same doubts, troubles and conversations that they have. This started happening around chapter 7-8 when Jesus' focus turns more away from healing and teaching the crowd to teaching and discipling his 12 closest followers.

Its rather interesting really, how in all the events that the disciples experience, there is always a deeper lesson the Jesus desires his disciples to learn, and most of the time they don't. They are left with confused looks. I am one of them, having the same confused look on my face when I read what Jesus has said.

I am one of them. A confused disciple not completely understanding what Jesus is saying or even meaning. I must admit that the teachings of Jesus are not easy ones to implement in ones life or even understand right away.  But look at what the disciples become. John has AMAZING visions of what heaven is going to be. Peter bring the gospel to the world and so many of the the other disciples do the same. The disciples, in midst of their mistakes and slow progress of understanding of what Jesus taught them, were able to fulfill the commission that he gave to them. If they can that means that I can too.

So I will leave you with this, if you are feeling the same way, that this book that you are reading does not make sense or seems so impossible to apply to your life right now, hold on. Persevere though it and let Christ enlighten you like he did the disciples and what and see what amazing things he will have you do. Maybe your name will be one written down in Christian history.