Disciples Are Created

“So God created man in his image. ” Man was given dominion over all creation and paradise for his sustenance and enjoyment. But to whom much is given, much is likewise asked. The forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge proved to be too difficult for Man to resist. That cost Man the loss of his paradise and banishment from heaven, in complete shame. He had truly fallen. God sent his Only Son to redeem Man. Jesus walked the earth and preached about God. From fishermen to a tax collector, Jesus created his own, chosen set of disciples.
He said, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. ” He had instructed them to continue His work when He has gone back to the Father. “Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations. ” Jesus died on the cross for Man. Man had sinned but Jesus led Man back to the Father. He had set the example for Man to follow. True discipleship is following God’s example of never giving up on Man’s fallibility. It is helping Man to rise from iniquity and taking the righteous path.
His followers had betrayed Him like Judas and denied Him like Peter, yet He had it in His heart to forgive. He proclaimed, “Truly, I say to you, every sin will be forgiven humankind …” Whatever one’s status in life is, he may be made into a disciple. Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen and Matthew was a tax collector. A disciple made from God’s own image follows His example. God forgave sin against Him. So must the disciple. The positive influence of God’s example to my personal ministry is to accept sinners and give them the second chances they need.