Oct
02
2009
Then I Will Go With You
In my forthcoming book Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels, I make the point that “those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). In other words, when we depend on anything smaller than Jesus for justification, love, mercy, cleansing, a new beginning, approval, acceptance, righteousness, and rescue we consign ourselves to “the restless futility of bewilderment” because nothing and no one but Jesus can provide those things we long for most.
I close the book with a story from Civil War days before America’s slaves were freed, about a northerner who went to a slave auction and purchased a young slave girl. As they walked away from the auction, the man turned to the girl and told her, “You’re free.”
With amazement she responded, “You mean, I’m free to do whatever I want?”
“Yes,” he said.
“And to say whatever I want to say?”
“Yes, anything.”
“And to be whatever I want to be?”
“Yep.”
“And even go wherever I want to go?”
“Yes,” he answered with a smile. “You’re free to go wherever you’d like.”
She looked at him intently and replied, “Then I will go with you.”
Jesus has come to the slave market. He came to us there because we could not go to him. He came and purchased us with his blood so we would no longer be a slave to sin but a slave to Christ—which is the essence of freedom. And now there’s no freer place to be in life than going with him—with the one who is himself our true liberty.
Remember: In the person of Jesus Christ, God came into this world, not to strip away our freedom, but to strip away our slavery to self so that we could be truly free.
25 Comments
I haven’t read your book yet, however I look forward to it very much. What a beautiful picture of our relationship between Christ and us! If only Christians would get a grasp of this it would revive the church! Our Lord has told us we are free. With the same love and affection that the slave girl responded with, we should be moved [constrained] to remain [abide] in Him. I once mentioned in a Greenhouse class that we are either slaves to Satan or slaves to Christ. It was met with a protest by a student, who said that she was no longer a slave, but free. I hope that by now she has come to understand the concept of bondservants who freely and willingly, in love, follow their Master! Following our Lord in His freedom releases us from all performance based acceptance. We, in freedom, follow and obey with a heart that is filled with love for Him and what He has done!
pastor
Thank you, wonderful story.
Kevin in the last blog made some good comments about the church, but I don’t believe we need to feel sorry for you. You are blessed with a great challenge and one that our God is working out for you. BE BLESSED.
On a less serious note, while in church sunday as the worship in music was going on a boy was shaking his head like a headbanger, I was cracking up inside, I thought to myself there is Tullian acting up. I jest.
On a more serious note, I was reading the commentary from your granddad in your book do I know God?Quote ” His God-given pursuit of truth was infectious to us all.” He was refering to you of course.
I was infected. Now I’m just affected.
Paul said follow me as I follow Christ. I’m with you brother. God bless
In Christ.
I love that illustration. Christy Nockels has a song called “My Master” on her latest CD that this reminds me of. Part of the lyrics are:
I love my Master, I will not go free…
I take Your name and live in liberty
My life is Yours forever
I’ll serve You faithfully
I love my Master, I will not go free…
The Lord has really ministered to me through the songs on this CD during the past few months. It’s amazing how he always puts the resources around us to strengthen and encourage us, isn’t it?
Tullian, since you first mentioned from the New City pulpit the possibility of a marriage between the two churches (Dec? Jan?), I have prayed daily and more fervently for my pastor (you and your family) and our church than ever in the decades of my Christian life.
I think God is using this time to not only work through you, Tullian, as our pastor but also to grow prayer warriors in the congregation. God bless you, your family including Dr. T, and the community of believers.
To echo the former-slave-now-freed young lady, “I will go with you, Tullian,” as you lead us to a deeper and closer walk with our Lord and Savior.
Hey Pastor Tullian. I’ve been chewing on Ephesians 4 (trying to memorize) during my drive-time this week. Immediately I thought of “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” How blessed am I to have been included in that army of former slaves that Jesus led on high! Thank God that “…grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” And, oh my, what a GIFT!
Tullian,
What a beautiful picture in that story. We are all slaves. The question is, slaves to what? Slaves of whom? How good to be a slave, yes, a slave of righteousness, a slave of Christ! (How antithetical to our culture and traditions of independence.) As Moses said, “Let My people go THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME!” The man who thinks he is free, is slave to much and many. The man who knows himself to be a slave, a slave of Christ, he is free indeed! I will serve my Master. He may do with me as He pleases. I am His. He is no harsh taskmaster but a benevolent Sovereign, “good, but not tame”.
I leave you with the answer to the first question in the Heidelberg catechism.
Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)
Amen!
Tullian,
I thank you for leading us in a Godly way. As the body of Christ witnesses your strength, trust and hope in Christ during tribulation, we are strengthened. We are seeing what becomes of a tribal church as we develop strength as a sacrificial, mission-minded church. I pray that the articles in the news regarding Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church bring attention and glory to God as this county, state, country and beyond watches the Revival as we live the Gospel. God bless you Tullian and those who support you.
Slavery to Christ is utmost freedom.
Chains anyone?
I love your blog and the sermons that you have online. One question about the slave illustration , though. I have used it over the years to make the same point, but I’m wondering how African-Americans might hear the story. Does it unintentionally perpetuate the “happy, contented slave” idea that was common before and after the civil war? That slaves eally were better off and happier when their lives were taken care of by the benevolent white man? I guess I’ve learned the hard way that the stories we tell in the pulpit get heard in a lot of different ways. I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Tullian, I’m glad you’re staying at CRPC. But whether there or anywhere God leads, when we know we are standing firmly on Christ (and we can do no other), we are safe in His will.
In Christ alone,
Jonathan Las,
Worship Pastor
Greenhills Christian Fellowship,
Manila, Philippines
pastor
I found this book on a shelf in my study, here is an exerpt: from: “Psychology for Successful Evangelism” by James H. Jauncy; Moody Press
Christianity is a change of being, not just a change of mind. It is far more than a contract we make with God in exchange for which He gives us heavon when we die. It is impregnation of our spirit by God so that He can give us power to over come.
Throughout the Bible there is a constant call, usually in the most urgent tones, to commit oneself regardless of the saccrifice involved, to the divine task to which God Himself has set His face.
I’m encouraged to dust off old books and read them , and take them to heart. In Christ
P.S. I’m even plowing through ” Institutes of Christian Religion” by Calvin thanks for the inspiration.
This weekend as I contemplated the Master that I follow and how to best follow Him in these difficult days, I came upon a blog post that shares a quote from John MacArthur’s new book, The Jesus You Can’t Ignore. In this excerpt MacArthur tackles the subject of whether it is always appropriate to be “nice” by looking at Jesus’ example:
The Great Shepherd Himself was never far from open controversy with the most conspicuously religious inhabitants in all of Israel. Almost every chapter of the Gospels makes some reference to His running battle with the chief hypocrites of His day, and He made no effort whatsoever to be winsome in His encounters with them. He did not invite them to dialogue or engage in a friendly exchange of ideas. … One of His last major public discourses was the solemn pronunciation of seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees. These were formal curses against them. That sermon was the farthest thing from a friendly dialogue. But it is a perfect summary of Jesus’ dealings with the Pharisees. It is blistering denunciation—a candid diatribe about the seriousness of their error. There is no conversation, no collegiality, no dialogue, and no cooperation.
This helped me to refocus. I find as much comfort in the strength of the Master as I find in His mercy. How I pray for the discernment to live out both – inextricably bound together – and so avoid a distortion of grace.
PS – The rest of the post can be found in Oct 2′s post on http://www.notconformedthoughts.com.
Loved the slave story. What a perfect picture. The heart of the Gospel.
The slave story sounds a difficult one to take literally. Any reliable referances to authenticate it?
Hey Becky,
The problem I see with relating to that blog post is that the “The Great Sheperd” is alone God; sinless, perfect and pure. He alone is omniscient, omnipotent (giving Him many, ok all servants) and omnipresent and unfortunately we ALL our hypocrites.
I rather cling to His absolute Authority over all, that He uses even our sins to bring glory to Himself.
Your sister in Christ,
Kathy
Great book by the comments you made. I pray that it does what God intends which is helps souls come to know Jesus Christ as Lord. As a third generation Graham, I expect nothing less than a soul winning tool!! God bless and I look to pick it up at the book store or where ever I can get it.
Fellow colaborer in Christ,
John
As to the authenticity to the slave girl story, you will have to ask Dr. Steve Brown of Key Life Ministries. He includes it in one of his devotions. The man in the story is Abraham Lincoln.
Becky,
I’ve got to pick up on the “nice” point here. I have cringed at the niceness element in the church. (Am I repeating myself from a previous post?) Christ has not, I repeat, not called us to be nice. He has called us to be meek, humble, kind, gracious, sacrificial, giving, and serving, but never “nice”. Christians trying to be nice with plastic smile plastered upon a good intention is no more a beacon of the reality of Christ’s redemption than a surly and sour face reflecting a discontent and dour heart.
Whatever you do, do all unto Him, for Him, and with all of your heart, brothers and sisters. Live passionately for Him!
PS What a beautiful demonstration of community is the sacrament of baptism! What a glorious Christ we serve!! Let us serve His people with ardor and compassion!
David Schwartz
I was told you need to be sweet. Just be nice David.
Good Morning Pastor Tullian,
Could you please respond to Becky’s post on Oct4? I would love your input.
With thanks in Christ
Susanne
The dictionary definition of the word “nice” in part has the meaning of being agreeable, or to a persons liking. So when considering the steps that we are called to follow in the way of Christ we will many times be in conflict with this word as it applies to agreeableness. Often when filled with zeal of our Father’s house we actually become the antithesis of what would seem agreeable to those on the other side. What we are required to exhibit in terms of relational contact, however, is kindness. In the dictionary kindness has the meaning of benevolence and consideration. To move forward kindly in disagreeable terms because of valid concern for someone spiritual condition is one of the greatest acts of benevolence possible. Taking into consideration someone else spiritual condition may not always appear agreeable, but if it is authentic will evidence a genuine concern their highest and spiritual best; having Christ as its focus. The only way to justify not being nice (or agreeable), however, would be to see if our actions line up with the authority of the scriptures in evidence of being led of the Spirit. It is quite possible in our humaness to mistakingly forge forward in misguided honor. If we are in error in this manner the opposite of benevolent love will become evident as referenced in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: love is not arrogant, rude, insistent own it’s own way, irritable or resentful.
Nothing against being nice. I prefer Biblical words as far as adjectives to live by. Nice is just to vague. And they shall know we are Christians by our niceness? Hmmm, something is missing here. Let’s love and love unilaterally.
How thankful I am for my friend PGM who is able to bring another vital facet of truth into clear focus. I take your words about kindness deeply to heart. Thank you and amen! You helped me say what I neglected to say and nudge me back into balance.
My dear, courageous, loving friend, Susanne, thanks for asking for clarification – and for your email that urged me on the way! I am thankful for you. The mental picture of the slave market is a harsh backdrop for the stark MacArthur quote that I brought into the conversation. I hope it will help for me to offer the idea that there are those who propose a way of life that would keep us dependant on things “smaller than Jesus” – they run the slave market. And those who run the slave auction, participating in the enslavement of others, should receive no quarter from anyone who loves the freedom that Jesus offers. They represent the Pharisees who received no conciliatory gestures from Jesus. Those who lay snares of deceit to entrap unsuspecting dear ones and add them to the collection of the shackled are to be spotted and opposed. I include myself as one who has fallen into those snares and needs daily rescue.
At the same time we oppose the enslavers, we also – like Jesus – weep over those who have been ensnared – and indeed the enslavers are to be pitied for they are themselves enslaved.
I am so sorry that in my fervent appreciation of the strength Jesus demonstrates in removing systems and regimes of bondage, I didn’t take the time to underscore the compassion He demonstrates to the people who have suffered. I’m asking Him to make me a better instrument of that compassion. We have the joy of ministry to one another as this rescue effort takes place – tenderly caring for the wounds encountered as we wait for the Final Rescue.
I pray for the discernment to live out both strength and mercy – wrapped in I Cor 13 (Thanks again, PGM.)