The Trailblazers of ChristmasSample

Matthew

Many of us want to be known, but we’re unwilling to risk what it takes to receive such knowing.

But therein lies the rub. We believe that we can know about a life worth living without risking what it takes to actually live a life worth living.

Rather than asking her out on a date, we swipe right.
Rather than knocking on the door to play after school, we log in into another Xbox lobby.
Rather than grabbing coffee, we scroll again on Instagram.
Rather than participating in a church community, we merely consume content from our favorite digital preacher.
Rather than learning to love God and love our neighbor, we hole up and attempt to find meaning in self-actualization and career advancement.

Now, perhaps this is an oversimplification of the human condition. But I don’t think it is. In fact, I’d argue that most of us reading this today feel this.

The war of desire rages within us. The desire to be known combatted by the fear of rejection. The desire to be loved combatted by the fear of being vulnerable. The desire to connect combatted by the lack of desire to put forth effort. The desire to build community combatted by the lack of time in our overinundated, overcommitted schedules.

Is this life really the life we’ve been longing for? A life of knowing but not actually . . . living? Or could there be another way? A more difficult, but more fulfilling way to live?

The answer of course, is yes. It’s the way of Jesus. But the way of Jesus comes with a caveat. No observation allowed. Instead, it’s participation only.

Why?

Because nothing of value can be truly known through mere observation. Anything of value can only be truly known through participation.

The incarnation of Christ—of God becoming like us—is an example for those who follow his way.

Life and life to the full requires nothing short of everything.

Life and life to the full requires our undivided attention and unimpeded participation.

In Matthew 9:9, Jesus extends such an invitation to a tax collector. “Follow me,” says Jesus. And the text says, “Matthew got up and followed him” (NIV).

Do you see it?

My friend, are you aware of all that’s happening around you? The WONDER of Christmas? GOD HIMSELF—Immanuel—came to this earth to live a sinless life and die an undeserved death . . . for YOU.

This single question is being asked: Will you accept the invitation? I don’t know what the invitation is for you this Christmas, but there is an invitation. God is asking for your attention, my friend.

“Come, follow me.”

Where is your gaze? Put your hope and your faith and your trust in Jesus this Christmas. BELIEVE that He is who He says He is.

You may know it all, but you haven’t really lived it. Nothing can be truly known merely through observation, but only through participation. You have to practice the way. You have to participate in community. You have to permeate the world around you.

You have to LIVE.

“Follow me.”

“Mathew got up and followed him.”

Matthew, the swindler, the cheater, the degraded, the outlaw, the outcast, the betrayer, the SINNER . . . he said yes.

And do you think Matthew got an unfair shake for that decision? Do you think Matthew is up in heaven right now with ANY regrets of trading in coin for Christ? Of course not. So today, some of us need to saddle up and get on the road. Some of us need to get up and follow him.

But others of us, you’re in the wilderness, and you’re facing the elements, and the enemy is doing everything he can to knock you off your steed. And perhaps the invitation for you today is to hold on. To cling to the hope and truth that is Jesus. This Advent is a reminder that He has arrived. He’s here. And He lived a sinless life that you and I couldn’t live, died the death we deserved, and rose from

the grave with the promise of one day returning to make all things new.

Christmas is good news. Our Savior has arrived.

Pay attention.
Accept the invitation.
Live.

Interested in learning about more biblical trailblazers? Learn about Micah E. Davis and his book Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God's Purpose for Your Life at micahedavis.com.