Submitted by Austin
Cooper
I want to know
Christ – yes to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His
sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.
Philippians 3:10
The Lord has
clearly shown and reminded me over this first year of serving in Vancouver that
the treasure of obedience to God is not a church that is planted, disciples
that are made and sent out, or even joy in ministry. The treasure of obedience is
simply Jesus. Knowing Jesus more intimately, that is the gift of obedience to
God.
So many times this
past year we were worried that the church wasn’t being planted fast enough, or
that we hadn’t seen anyone come to Christ yet, or that we have only been able
to share the Gospel twice with people who no longer talk to us. All along we
were blind to the fact that the treasure of obedience to moving here is knowing
Jesus better. That’s it. Everything else is a by-product of God’s Grace and
what He chooses to do with His Church.
Lord, I pray
that pastors and church planters in Metro Vancouver would focus less on results
and first and foremost on seeing Jesus as the treasure of obedience. I pray we
would all know that becoming like You will be the ultimate goal of our walk,
life, and ministry. That we would desire to know Christ and the power of His
resurrection, and open our hands and let You do what only You can do: build
Your Church.
