Wake (Daily Encouragement Series)
He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. – Acts 10:36-38
Yesterday we talked about leadership as influence and that we all have influence – either bringing discouragement or inspiration. One of the most helpful classes I took at seminary was Introduction to Pastoral Counseling. In it, the professor said:
“Look at a person’s wake, because you are going to end up in it.” (Like the wake of a boat).
Now, he wasn’t talking about perfection or never making mistakes – it is a generality that allows you to have proper boundaries and expectations. He was saying as a pastor, if someone comes to your church and talks critically about their 5 previous churches and pastors, you will be the 6th. Or if someone has as string of friendships that end in conflict and hurt, you will eventually be there too. That doesn’t mean we don’t love and serve people like this, or that people can never change (I sure have), it means we do so with right expectations.
If we look at the life of Jesus and those influenced by him, we see a “wake” of people healed and restored. We see a “wake” of people given new life, meaning purpose and hope. We see a “wake” of people who have peace with God and who have God with them.
The call is to follow Jesus – to be in his “wake” and be influenced by Him. As we do, we invite others to come alongside and follow in his “wake” with us.
Three takeaways –
- Get in Jesus’ wake – follow and be influenced by Him to experience restoration and new life.
- Who is in your wake – as you look over your shoulder, who is in your wake of influence and how are they doing? (from “The Ascent of a Leader”)
- Who’s wake are you in – who are the main influencers in your life and how are they impacting you (bringing discouragement or inspiration? Bringing you into Jesus’ wake or not?)