Did Jesus die and rise from the dead just so we can go to Heaven, or does He have bigger plans for us?
Much of the modern church is obsessed with getting people “saved.” While this is certainly a noble and important effort, it is interesting to note that the modern altar call did not even exist for most of church history. Out of two millennia of Christianity, the altar call, as we know it, has been around for less than two centuries. Jesus certainly called people to follow Him, but there was no special prayer while the choir sang, “Just as I am.”
In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door.” Reading this, we might quickly be compelled to ask, “the door to what?” It is not often that we see a door standing on its own. Instead it usually leads somewhere. Yes accepting Jesus as our savior is important, but it is only the threshold into much, much more.
God had a plan and purpose for the Prophet Jeremiah while he was still in the womb. When he was about 17 years old, God commissioned him with these words:
“See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.” (Jer 1:10 NASB)
While this call was for Jeremiah’s specific mission as Prophet to the nations, it is also applicable to God’s call and purpose for our lives.
Pluck up
Is there anything in your life that needs to be completely eradicated? Are there any weeds that – if simply cut back – will spring up to choke the good fruit you try to produce? If so, pluck it up and enjoy a weed-free life.
Break Down
“Break down” is often used in scripture to describe the dismantling of idols and altars to false gods, Is there anything in your life that is obscuring your vision of God’s kingdom or stealing His rightful worship? If there is, tear it down so you can get an unobstructed view of God. A building has to be demolished before a new one can be built in its place.
Destroy
Are there any bugs in your life that need to be exterminated? Is there anything that is preventing you from having a healthy and productive Christian life? If so, let the life healing power of the Holy Spirit kill the disease and raise you to health.
Overthrow
Are there any areas where Jesus is not Lord? If so, partner with God to overthrow those strong-holds and allow Him to take His rightful place.
Build
Now that you have prepared the real-estate, begin to build the things that God has designed for you and your family. Prepare your physical environment with things that please God and facilitate your continued growth.
Plant
Now that the weeds are gone and the disease has been eradicated, begin filling your mind and spirit with the Word of God. You will see great fruit produced from a Godly mind.
Shalom!