Allowing Jesus to Stand Out

When was the last time you did something inexplainable? The kind of love and generosity that makes no sense to the broader world?

The rich ruler in the Gospels is someone I have identified with too often in my own life. He is outwardly doing all the right things, and clearly desires more in coming to Jesus. Unfortunately, he’s unwilling to let go of the comforts of his life and fully go all in. Selling everything that he’s gained would simply be too inexplicable to those around him.

Jesus calls us to live the inexplicable. Not because we want our fame and glory, but because He’s calling us deeper into relationship. The kind of fruit that makes those who do not know God sit up, notice, and ask the hard questions – simply because it doesn’t make sense.

Practice: The Inexplicable

When I was in high school (a public one, at that), we were offered the opportunity to give money towards families to have a turkey dinner at Christmas. As I sat in my Math classroom, I felt the clear prompt that I was called to give, and give generously. I spoke privately with my teacher to pledge to provide for three families that day, and he questioned me multiple times whether I was sure. For a 16 year old, it was a significant amount of money, but in the scheme of both my life and eternity, it was an act of obedience.

The practice this week is both incredibly simple, and infinitely complex.

Will you do something that can be only explained by the Gospel?

We have to be careful that we don’t descend into a religious mindset when we ask these questions. The heart of it is wanting to draw closer to God, and what it looks like is entirely dependent on where He leads you.

It may be dropping groceries off for a neighbour (or someone on the other end of town entirely). It could be a generous gift that God calls you to give you simply can’t understand. It could be seeking forgiveness and healing for an old wound, when you have ever reason to hold on.

Are you willing to step out of the boat and do something that can only be explained by the Gospel?