For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (I Peter 23:21 ESV)
Disciples
My Uncle John had been a plumber for longer than anyone I knew. And he had advanced to the point that he owned the shop. He was a plumber’s plumber.
At one job, when I was a young teenager, he let me follow him around. He flitted from task to task, and I walked behind him, trying to learn.
I am not sure I learned that much.
I am not sure that I was qualified to be his apprentice that day.
I am not sure I deserved his expenditure of time, energy, and patience.
But Uncle John was gracious that day.
He let me be his disciple, not because I had earned the opportunity… but because He loved me, his nephew.
We are Christ’s disciples in the same way. He lets us follow Him. He expends time, energy, and patience. He did not choose us because we passed a test, or proved ourselves, or were already righteous.
He lets us follow Him because He is gracious.
What a blessing discipleship is.