When Jesus began His public ministry, he gathered around

himself twelve people to observe and learn what it means to be

Christian. For three years, they followed him daily. They got a head

start on everyone else. So have many of you.

From the day you drew your first breath, you have been surrounded

by people who knew and loved Jesus. You have enjoyed

the spiritual benefits of their nurturing, their guidance, their

prayers, their Bible, and their church. In a very real sense, you have

been with Jesus “…from the beginning.”

Be careful. Do not get stuck in the familiar. It is so easy to

squeeze discipleship into predictable and boring routines. I hope

and pray following Jesus never becomes commonplace to you.

The adventure is not over. There are so many exciting things

to see, do, and experience. He’s still leading.