Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week Jason taught on discipleship from Matthew 28:18-20. Two words continue to resound from Jesus' command, "make disciples". Which leads to an important question; what is a disciple?

A helpful way to think about this is the picture of a lifelong apprentice. One who comes to learn under a master. One who devotes themselves to becoming like the one whom they apprentice.

Pastor and author Eugene Peterson borrowed a helpful phrase as the title of his book on discipleship. It's called "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction". I find that to be a helpful phrase in reminding myself that my apprenticeship to Jesus is a steady lifelong pursuit to become like him.

I see the same principle in Peter's words that end his second letter when he writes, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18a).

What a joy we have that what Jesus wants us to do is know his grace in ever increasing measure and help others follow him in that way too. May the Lord help us live this long obedience in the same direction together.