In Mark 3:7-30, Jesus became a rock star in danger of being crushed to death as news about Him spread at breakneck speed. Vast hordes of people rushed in. His miracles grabbed their attention, and “as a result, all who had diseases pressed around Him to touch Him.” Grubby hands everywhere grabbed at Jesus. This was not a quiet, polite Sunday morning service. Crowds are fickle. The crowds greeted Jesus on Palm Sunday, hailing him as King. It is the crowds who, a week later, called for Him to be crucified as a common criminal.
SCARY UNCHARTED WATERS
Jesus calls a time-out at a critical point in His ministry. He spends an entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12) and chooses 12 disciples. Were the chosen Twelve thrilled and/or terrified as they gradually realized the ramifications of their appointment? Jesus threw His energy into this very small group of “uneducated and ordinary men” (Acts 4:13). He sent them out as His messengers, giving them His authority and power to cast out demons. This small group ventured into scary, uncharted waters. They tried not to be fickle.
THE FICKLE SIDE OF THE AISLE
There is no middle ground regarding Jesus. On the other side of the aisle are Jesus’ own family. When they heard about his fame, “they went out to seize him, for they were saying, ‘He is out of his mind.’” Even those who originally thought they wanted to follow Jesus found His teachings too radical. “Many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66-70). Many decide to join the fickle side of the aisle.
VOMIT MATERIAL
In the Book of Revelation, the Church of Laodicea is addressed. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am goingto vomit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15-18). There is no middle ground for following Jesus. Jesus is not after comfortable fans, He is after followers – those who follow Him regardless of the cost. The journey involves noise, inconvenience, and loss. True disciples choose not to be fickle.
THE PRICE OF DISCIPLESHIP
As I write this, I contemplate my years of following Jesus. So many things I didn’t know when, at age twelve, I answered the call. I had no concept of the price of discipleship. Yes, some seasons have been relatively easy, but the times in which I have grown the most have been the valleys. For the past seven months, we have lived in quite a few valleys, not knowing which direction the Lord is taking us. The doctors continue to have mixed opinions on whether Bill’s health will improve. We decide daily that, regardless of the cost, we will choose to remain hot for Christ. Being fickle is not in our vocabulary.
FAN OR FOLLOWER?
The risk of being just a fan of Jesus appears when the going gets tough. We can slip away or even turn from Him. Which side of the fence do you choose? Do you want the Holy Spirit to describe you as wishy-washy, indecisive, and vacillating? Do you want Christ to spit you out of His mouth? Or do you want the Holy Spirit to be cheering and propelling you forward? It is your decision. Don’t be fickle.
What is a disciple, a true follower of Jesus? Read Greg Ogden’s book: “Transforming Discipleship”.