5-20-2023

Good Morning All,

      Mark 1:17; “And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 

    During the 1960’s there was a singing group called the “American Breed”, a sort of one hit wonder group, had a hit song called “Bend Me, Shape Me.”  It was a song about a guy singing to the girl he loved how his love for her was so great that she could do whatever she wanted to him.  “Bend me, shape me, anyway you want to;” a song of this young man’s undying devotion. 

    It may or may not be prudent for a young man to sing this to a young lady, but it is the attitude with which we should approach discipleship under Jesus.  This verse is one which is a little different than some would read it.  Many read this verse and think that it is an instantaneous event.  Yet actually, this verse is the start of a lifelong process.

     This passage actually means to mold or to shape.  Think of a potter who is shaping a piece of pottery out of a lump of clay.  The lump would just lie there and do nothing.  Yet as the potter begins to pull on it, push it, and stretch it into the piece which he is creating.  It may become a bowl or a vase or a cup. 

     The same is true for us.  Our entire life we spend being molded into the disciple which Jesus intends us to be.  We are pulled and pushed and formed by the events of our lives.  Through them, God shapes us into his disciples.  Some of these experiences may be enjoyable while some may not be.

    Think of the experiences that we have had in our lives.  Perhaps you have worked with someone who is very difficult to work with.  They are demanding, judgmental, arrogant.  They berate you often.  It feels like their only goal is to deride you.  Events like this can teach a Christian to be compassionate and forgiving to his neighbor.  When we experience the pain of the death of a loved one, we can become more understanding and able to offer comfort to our neighbor. 

    In both these cases, we will tend to know the right words, know when to speak and when to listen.  God uses, even directs, our life experiences in order to fashion us into the disciples which he wants us to be.  It takes a lifetime of learning and growing, a lifetime of shaping and molding.  Yet through it all, He brings us closer to him and strengthens our faith.

     There are times when we don’t want to be shaped but when we are we need to trust in his word of hope that all things work toward the good for those whom he loves.  God shapes us but it is with his loving purpose to enable us to be his disciples. In order to better share his kingdom with those around us.

Dear Father, as you mold us, keep us close to you with our eyes focused on your grace.  Strengthen our faith and encourage us as we reach out to encourage others.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret