Written by Timothy Keller (1950-2023), an American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian, and Christian apologist.
From the time Jesus’ identity is revealed, he begins to say, “Follow me.” If he is who he says he is, what does it mean to follow him? Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means setting a new priority, finding a new identity, and living a new mercy. All three are critical; they all fit together… Discipleship is not just a matter of bending your will to Jesus’ will; it’s melting your heart into a whole new shape… A disciple is not only someone who has set a new priority, but someone whose entire identity has been reshaped and forged… But you can’t change your identity by just deciding. It’s not an act of the will. You cannot change your identity without a radical experience of mercy! without a radical experience of grace! without a radical experience of love!…Reason and willpower are not enough… Follow Jesus. He’ll give you what you need. He’s a wonderful counselor… He will love you singularly. He will love the real you. He will love you into a whole new identity.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [Luke 9:23-24]
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