A New Commandment?

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

There is nothing I'd rather be in life than a disciple of Jesus. While the title Christian may be similar in definition to disciple, it seems as though we have taken this title a little out of context. I have heard it said, and you may have too, that,"If we live in America we are Christians," or, "if I go to church I am a Christian." While neither being an American nor going to church are bad things, how far both are from being the ultimate definition of the title Christian, which actually means follower of Jesus. The word disciple is similar in the sense that it literally means a learner or a pupil. So, if my goal in life is to become a disciple of Jesus that means that my goal in life is to become a lifelong learner (or follower) of Jesus. But being a disciple doesn't just mean that I become a lifelong learner and forgot everyone else, quite the contrary. Our passion for others should increase...

As I was reading through John yesterday I came across a familar passage: John 13:34-35. It is interesting that "love one another" is not new at all (Lev. 19:18), but "as I have love you, so you must love one another" was totally new. Obviously the command to love others the way Jesus loved them was impossible to give in the Old Testament because Jesus had not yet given us His example (v.15). Jesus said the world will know that you are a disciple, not if you are an American, or if you go church (although both are good things), but your love others the way Jesus loved those 11 disciples. Isn't it interesting that Jesus was talking to the 11 at this point, not Judas (who had already taken off at this point - v.30), or the large group?

My Personal Application
How do I love others the way Jesus loved those 11 men?
1) With my time.
2) With my prayers (John 17).
3) With my talents.

Food for Thought
In the same sitting Jesus said the following:
"I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
"Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." John 14:12

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17

All Expense Paid Missionary Trip to Haiti

CPT Jill Radunzel's recently deployed to Haiti with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division as a Company Commander. CPT Joel Radunzel followed shortly after ensuring all the necessary logistics were "squared away" back here at Bragg. I recently read a message from Joel that said he enjoyed the Super Bowl under the Haitian sky with 700 other Paratroopers and that it was the best Super Bowl ever. Let his comments not be deceiving though, Troopers are still living off of 2 Meal's Ready to Eat (MRE's) a day and only recently got running water.

.

Amidst all of this, however, God never ceases to amaze. Jill was selected by her Battalion Commander to be the liaison to Samaritan's Purse, who, "for over 35 years have followed Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick and suffering."(1) Her new Army job is to interface with this non-profit organization in order to provide any needed military assistance that would allow Samaritan's Purse to provide more effective relief. Samaritan's Purse serves the church worldwide to promote the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If that isn't God's amazing hand working, I don't know what is. I daresay neither Joel nor Jill could have predicted this incredible all expense missionary trip just a few short years earlier when they were deciding how they wanted to serve Jesus -- choosing the Army as their mission field. It is amazing to see how God provided this opportunity through their decision.

.

Back at Fort Bragg, Betts and I have had the wonderful privilege to co-labor with the Radunzel's since November of 2007. At that time Joel, Jill and I had just returned from being deployed for 15 months. Joel and I started up a small group Bible study within the Navigator ministry. Two years later God has raised up many a follower of Jesus Christ through that group and both Joel and I are humbled to be a part of His might work. Joel, its been a blast brother. I would say hurry back, but I think you and Jill are right where God wants you. I'll flush the toilets in your house for you every once in a while. Our prayers are with you.

.

(1) Luke 10:30-37 and http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Who_We_Are/About_Us