May 15, 2011 | Our Banner
Paraphrasing, Jesus said that he came to offer life and life to the full. Is Jesus saying that his followers will get the most out of life…enjoy a deeply satisfying life? I think so. Why then do so many Christians fail to experience what Jesus seems to be offering? Well, it would be over-stating to suggest one thing as the solution, but there is one thing that seems to be critical: Are you raising the right banner?
For as long as there have been ships, there have been flags raised to the peak of the ships masts or antennae. And like these flags, just about any banner or flag announces who you are and what you’re doing. We all raise banners. They come in the form of bumper-stickers, clothes, Alma maters, associations, our Twitter following, and on and on. Through various means, we express our loyalties and our allegiances…and we enjoy the kick-backs, perks and improved lives that result. But do we raise the banner of Jesus and declare our loyalty to him?
Referring to his impending crucifixion, Jesus said that, “…, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32. And that still holds true today. When Jesus is directly honored and given credit (lifted up), he still draws a crowd. When Christians are willing to live for and talk about Jesus in their life…it change things dramatically. Read Matthew Chapter 10 to review Jesus expectations for his Apostles.
Jesus didn’t promise an easy life or a wealthy life or a healthy life, he promises an abundant life. He promises a life of great purpose, of deep satisfaction, of no regrets, and of generational legacies. But one thing is key. That sort of life doesn’t arrive through the efforts and energies and expertise of you and me. It comes simply as result of unashamedly professing our allegiance, loyalty and love of Jesus.
When we lift Jesus up; when we make him the center of attention and conversation within our churches and our lives, he breaks in and stirs a passion and a purpose deep within, he lights up the dark places, exposes the lies, and emboldens the spirit.
The Apostles were probably known as something like the “Twelve.” Twelve was a Godly number…it held great meaning throughout Jewish history as a number associated with God…the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and now Jesus, and now the Apostles.
They could deny their association (see Peter) if they chose to, but when they proved faithful and uncompromising about Jesus, who he was, and what he had done…the Kingdom showed up in everyday life in great displays of power: healings, raisings, courage, perseverance, martyrdom, conversions, and various other miracles.
We churches and Christians too often, intentionally and otherwise, raise the wrong banner. Instead of making Jesus famous we make our pastors famous, we make our church buildings fabulous, we make our ministries central, we make our politics, our denominations, our spirituality, our discipleship program, our culture, our music, hhf our worship styles. etc, etc, etc, etc, etc…
Until we learn in our private and public lives to make Jesus our focus, until we are willing to bring anyone and everyone who asks, to Jesus, until we learn to raise the banner of Jesus, until we begin to acknowledging him and trust him in all things…until then…we cannot and will not experience what he has to offer.
We can imagine the rush of the most incredible amusement park ride, but we cannot truly experience the exhilaration without strapping in and letting go of the ground.
If someone asked you, “Who is Jesus, and what’s so great about him?” Could you tell them the truth, and could you tell them how he has saved you, and what he means to you? That’s what it means to raise the banner…to lift Him up. Do that and see if your life doesn’t turn a radical corner and fill you to overflowing!
From last week:
Where did you invest in the future last week?
This week:
John 10:10 how has Christ brought your life to the full…how does that apply in your life? How has your life changed? Are you disappointed with that change? What are some reasons we don’t experience this full life?
-What are some banners you wave (T-shirt, bumper stickers, what you stand for, clothes, cars)?
-What banner do your friends and family say you wave? What gets your energy?
-How is God piloting…… not copiloting ……your life?
-Do you need to change your banner? How are you going to do that this week?
- How practically do you fly under the Jesus banner? What does that look like to you? What do you think that should look like?
-Can you articulate to a friend the Bad news/Good news?
