Throughout the Bible we encounter various good relationships that educate us about life: Moses – Joshua, David – Jonathan, Ruth – Naomi, Jesus – Peter, Mary – Elizabeth, Paul – Barnabas and the like. These models were all inspired by God in one way or other and had their foundation in God before they became Christian models. One such relationship that bore a close resemblance of Moses – Joshua model was that of Elijah and Elisha. Moses and Elijah resemble in their approach to liberate the people from the clutches of unworthy rulers – God being their Shepherd and the exodus of crossing the wilderness is so personal in nature for Elijah that even the names Joshua and Elisha are similar in meaning – God Saves! The Promised Land should by all means be protected from Baal and its prophets.
The cost of discipleship is our total commitment and always aimed at higher values. Moses and Joshua had the entire chosen people of God under their responsibility. Jonathan was guided by the Spirit of God when he stood with David. Ruth’s ‘Your people my people, your God my God, Death do us part’ expression undoubtedly portray such elevated commitment. Peter’s affirmation, ‘Even if these run away I will be with you.’ And Mary’s care when Elizabeth needed it and Paul and Barnabas struggle together as missionaries clearly proclaims that at the root of any such relationship there is God’s Spirit at work. There is so much of a broad-vision and altruistic approach towards life and love. They make history.
If Holiness is not the aim of the church, all that we do and say, all that we profess and live by make no sense. If our destination is JRS we won’t be wasting time and energy on what is not JRS. I want to make it to heaven but I will kill everyone before that – what is the difference between you and the jihadists? The similarity between a jihadist and a Christian is that both are aimed at reaching heaven. The Difference between them is to kill people (take away one’s God-given gift of life and happiness) and give life and happiness in all that we do and say. Jihadists think they are pro-euthanasia and confuse themselves; we think we are supreme-court judges! We have a better deal I guess! Much better pay!
If heaven is where selfless people are why do we all want to selfishly get to heaven? Jerusalem the city of Peace where God dwells necessarily expects us to pass through the difficult roads of Samaria: the experience of hurt, rejection, sacrifice, pain and always be the 1st one to forgive and initiate goodness in the family, not to curse verbally nor silently, and the maturity that motivates us that we can reach heaven only by perceiving and living heaven in where you are and what you do now. Jesus’ rebuking has significant meaning here that those motivated to reach Heaven should necessarily put to practice higher values.
Your affiliation with good people certainly helps in reaching your goal. Since we all influence each other so vitally, why not allow ourselves to be vitally influenced by good people. The recruitment to the Jihad movement is based on the justification of reward. That’s what all selfish people do. We want to get to heaven no matter how we get there! Reaching heaven is not to be understood so much as a reward, rather a gift freely given by God. We are not entitled to reach heaven. Try explaining Jesus’s statements: ‘It is impossible for a rich man…’ and ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ and ‘Truly I say to you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.’ They the poor, the thief and sinner got to heaven because they saw Jesus. Who is your influence? Do you still selfishly want to get to heaven? Or leave that to God and practice the lesson of love?
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