Part 1 – The Calling

ABSORBED INTO CHRIST (a 5-part series)

At a wedding, couples will sometimes have 3 candles displayed with the two outside candles lit. After saying their vows, they will then each take one of the lit candles and bring them together to light the middle one. They will then extinguish their own candles, with the middle one remaining lit to signify that they have now become one.

That act is quite similar to the calling Jesus extends to all people. He says things like if we lay down our life, we will find life. In his final prayer he said, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:21) Baptism speaks of something similar…this idea of the call to be ‘absorbed’ into Jesus’ life. Christ’s life in us. Our lives in Christ.

Part 1 – The Calling

What is the call of Christ on your life? Before you answer that question, keep in mind that any calling is a calling from something, to something else. Calling is not a registration, nor a subscription or membership. Calling is always from something to something. Jesus Christ calls us not just to follow, but to let go of this life (like, for real!), and be absorbed into his life.

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Cost of Discipleship