The most important reality in the life of a disciple is to consistently see, understand, and apprehend the majesty and glory of God in the person of Jesus. (John 1:14-18, Hebrews 12:1-3)
Four Responses to Christ (Mark 8)
- Leaven of the Pharisees (intense self righteousness based upon rules keeping)
- Leaven of the Herodians (commitment to power and accumulation with a bare acknowledgement of the work of Jesus)
- The dull witted disciples ("We only have ONE LOAF of bread for 13 men!")
- The people who attentively listened for three days
“A touch of enthusiasm would be the salvation of many a man’s religion. Some Christians are good enough people: they are like wax candles, but they are not lighted. Oh, for a touch of flame! Then would they scatter light, and thus become of service to their families. ‘Let them shout for joy.’ Why not? Let not orderly folks object. One said to me the other day, ‘When I hear you preach I feel as if I must have a shout!’ My friend, shout if you feel forced to do so. (Here a hearer cried, ‘Glory!’) Our brother cries, ‘Glory!’ and I say so too. ‘Glory!’ The shouting need not always be done in a public service, or it might hinder devout hearing; but there are times and places where a glorious outburst of enthusiastic joy would quicken life in all around. The ungodly are not half so restrained in their blasphemy as we are in our praise.” Charles Spurgeon
“... I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and help others to do the same.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity