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Changed by Jesus
by Debbie Smith
As Jesus followers, we must change. Specifically and personally, I must change. There’s elegant simplicity in three little words like ‘I love you,’ but ‘YOU MUST CHANGE’ (yes, I heard that in all caps) gives me pause that feels more like a flinch. How do I make sense of the God who formed my innermost being, who loves me exactly as I am, and insists that I change?
If I start by flipping back through the pages of my life, I realize each pivotal stage required significant change. Whether beginning kindergarten, graduating from school, starting a job, or building a family, we all navigate life through a series of non-negotiable alterations. Even Jesus himself went through the most dramatic resume update ever when he set aside his practice of carpentry to fulfill his true calling as the savior of the world.
It’s been said that Jesus loves you exactly as you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay there. Dion Davis tenderly renders this concept lyrically, “I can finally see that you’re not disappointed in me. You let me settle into who I’m supposed to be. There’s room for error, but you’re calling me higher…it’s what you do, God.”
The parable of the mustard seed shows how even the smallest flicker of faith can blossom, as nourishing leads to flourishing. Yet even that tiny grain had to split before it could sprout; the plant that became beautiful in its time began by breaking open. This is why we’re being transformed into the likeness of Jesus–we’re being called higher. Jesus wants us to change because He wants to see us bloom into the best lives that we were created for. Viewed through the light of this lens, those three little words, ‘you must change,’ are starting to sound more like ‘I love you.’
The Book of Acts Reading Plan:
This Fall-Winter we will be diving into the Book of Acts. For context, check out these brief videos on the major themes in Acts from our friends at The Bible Project.
[Monday, September 23]
Acts 14:21-28
Jesus called to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” In this week’s teaching, we learned that we, too, become like those we follow. In today’s verses, where can you see examples within the ministry of Paul and Barnabas that are similar to the model Jesus provided within his ministry? As you follow Jesus, how do you hope to become more like him?
[Tuesday, September 24]
Acts 15:1-12
We are shaped by the cultures we live in, the relationships we keep, the stories we believe, and the habits we practice. Today’s passages address customs God declared for the Israelites and their applicability to Gentiles (us); these were timely topics within the context of the cultures and habits of first-century Jesus followers. As we see that God does not discriminate and that our hearts are purified by faith, how can we represent the heart and intent of Jesus when we have disputes or debates with other believers?
[Wednesday, September 25]
Acts 15:13-35
Change is inevitable; if we want to become more like Jesus, intentional change becomes necessary. As new believers, the Gentiles likely knew they would be asked to make some intentional changes; James urged his fellow disciples not to make it difficult for Gentiles to turn to God. As you connect with Jesus, become more like him, and serve his mission, how are you learning to live and love like Jesus, without making it difficult for others to turn to God? In walking out your own faith journey, where are ‘rules’ a help, and where are they a hindrance?
[Thursday, September 26]
Acts 15:36-16:15
Even with wholehearted devotion to Jesus and serving his mission, Paul encountered many hardships and difficulties. Twice in today’s reading, Paul is thwarted from his intended course in spreading the good news to the Gentiles. Have you ever felt called by God yet encountered obstacles as you seek to serve him? How can you take encouragement from Paul’s examples of perseverance when the path forward seems blocked and apply it within your own life?
[Friday, September 27]
Acts 16:16-40
Paul and Silas were wrongly imprisoned for their discipleship. Centuries earlier, Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt after being falsely accused. In the stories of both Joseph and Paul, the men we encounter during their imprisonment are radically changed from when we first met them. Joseph and Paul can do what they once could not because they were transformed as they followed God/Jesus and trained. As you follow Jesus and allow him to become your teacher, how do you find yourself becoming more like him? How have you seen yourself transformed along the way?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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