Sharpened Together - Week 3

Key Scripture: 
Luke 6:12-19
12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

The ‘Lone Ranger’ is as model of manhood that a lot of guys aspire to. He is a rugged individual who embodies fierce independence and resolute self-reliance.

Sometimes, being a lone ranger appeals to me. But Jesus is no lone ranger. Jesus is a rugged leader and community-member who embodies fierce dependence on his heavenly Father. Also, Jesus demonstrates resolute reliance on the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

An example of this is Luke 6:12-19, where Jesus prays with his Heavenly Father, calls together a community of disciples and takes them to join with God’s mission. Who should we follow? The lone ranger or Jesus?

Practically, what could it look like for you to cultivate a life where the first thing you do is seek God’s voice of love, forgiveness, correction and guidance?

Before all else, may we be men who pray. Who are the fellow disciples God has called you to walk with, be sharpened by and sharpen in this season?

If you haven’t already, join a small group. What is the mission that, anointed by the Holy Spirit and together with other believers, God is calling you to participate in? Who are the people of peace (Luke 10:6) God has placed in your life?

Let’s not be lone rangers. Their foolish self-reliance means that God’s guidance is not sought. Their arrogant individualism causes them to believe that they’re better off alone. Their selfish independence leads to self-appointed mission.

“Follow me!” is Jesus’ invitation to us all. May we be men who follow Jesus’ example of prayer, being in community, and going on mission together.