Living as a Disciple of Jesus

Following Jesus Living as a Disciple Look brothers, there is no two ways about it We need a direct canal for water from Rampur. Otherwise we will not be able to irrigate our fields. Fifteen days ago Panchayat, had given the green signal to this project. God knows why there are so many obstacles? Yeah, exactly ! Listen, fighting won't solve the problem The fact is we do not have a single representative who can speak to the local government on our behalf. The village is small, we have very few people. We can keep on shouting. Who is going to listen? Even if we get the canal, who is going to be responsible for its maintenance? Those who own the land? Who else? Well if we are the ones who need the water, then we should be the ones to manage it. Right? Whatever the operation and maintenance costs, that should be taken care by all of us in the village and deposited with the irrigation department. Governments' business. We will jointly have to help out with it. Okay, so let's meet again next week... ...and Let's see what the outcome is... But one thing is certain... ...for the sake of development in our village, we need to stand united and cooperate with each other. I don’t understand. Look Bhadri, we are not the same... ...we are changed individuals. We have found a goal in our lives. For the sake of development of our village, we need to work together, for our goals. We need to be mindful of each other, and always maintain harmony in the village. We will have to work together... ...and do all that God wants us to do, got it? Hello Shankar. Ohh! Welcome! Please come uncle Mohan. Hello Badhri. Please sit, sit dad. So what's happened? Has the canal project been resolved, or not? It must be resolved, we've got to resolve it together. Hmm It is important, dad. The responsibility to bring progress is on us. Mohan uncle, there's been such a miracle with my son that I have acknowledged the power of Jesus. He can turn even sand into gold. oh... ah... We just need to hold on to Him. Finally, a miracle has happened. Pratap is completely cured. Lakshmi, we are all really very happy... ...that God has answered our prayers. Yes, we are not alone any longer. Jesus is always with us. In the movie Jesus had said, that even when we lose our way... ...He will always find us. Do you remember the story of that short man? Unfortunately he was so short that he wasn't able to see Jesus in the crowd. So he climbed up on a tree to see Him The Lord Jesus stopped right next to that tree Hurry down, Zaccheus, for I must stay in your house today. My house? Who'd want to stay in his house? How does Zaccheus know Jesus? Listen. I give half of my belongings to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much. I don't believe it, a tax collector paying back his taxes! Impossible! Jesus has said, wisdom lies only in following God's words And to follow in His footsteps means, building a house on a solid rock foundation. Which can not be shaken by a storm, or destroyed by floods. And if you do not follow in His footsteps... ...it will be like building a house on sand. If the rain gets a little stronger, the house will sink. You know, whatever we have learnt, it's important to put it in practice. When we do it, we are in the company of good people. Such people with whom others would like to associate with. And if people associate themselves with us, the village will certainly improve. The change that has come from within us. It is not only for us, but it is for our families and it can possibly change the entire village. Jesus narrated a story: A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he scattered the grain, some of it fell by the path and was walked upon, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on rocky ground, and when the plants sprouted, they withered away because they had no moisture. And some seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with the plants and choked them. And some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants grew and bore grain, 100 grains each. Master, why do You speak in parables whenever a crowd is near? The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to others I speak in parables, so that they may look but not see, and listen but not understand. This is what the parable means. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds that fell along the path stand for those who hear. But the devil comes, and takes the message away from their hearts in order to keep them from believing and being saved. The seeds that fell on rocky ground stand for those who hear the message and receive it gladly, but they have no roots. They believe only for a while. And when the time of testing comes, they fall away. The seeds that fell among thorns stand for those who hear, but the worries and riches and pleasures of this life crowd in and choke them and their fruit never ripens. And the seeds that fell in good soil stand for those who hear the message and retain it in a good and obedient heart, and they persist until they bear fruit. These words are amazing, Bhadri. Look, it may happen that this approach of being friendly, might help solve the problem of the canal. By following this, not only with the local government... ...we can also take it up to the minister's level. What are you saying? I'm not kidding. We have to search for things that work. In my view we should form such a committee, which can explain all these matters to those people who would be interested. Absolutely! There are so many things to be done in this village. And there are so many challenges, the outrageous money lenders, atrocities of the landlords. There are many children who want to study but because of their poverty, they can't. There's so much of sickness, and hardly any facilities for treatment. Together, we can do so many things Look Gopi, according to me if we follow the path laid by Jesus... ...then all our problems can be solved. We can look at ourselves, our families and manage the problems that we face in the village entirely. Now, what we are saying should also be evident in our lives. Judge not and you will not be judged! Condemn not, and you will not be condemned! Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Blessed are those who are humble and meek. Jesus said, such people will inherit the earth, uncle. For us, being responsible and living a life of humility is very important. Jesus has promised, those who are suffering, and live their lives in tears... ...the Lord will give them comfort. We must also care and show concern for those who don’t live in our village. And even to those who are hostile towards us. If we live in peace, it will be for our own good. We will be called the children of God. And now, as followers of Jesus Christ we need to move forward and start thinking of the future. Hmm... I have made my decision to save our village folks from the clutches of being in debt. The government has established a number of such institutions... ...where they give interest-free loans to farmers to buy their own land. We can take loan from them, and save the villagers from the clutches of these landlords and money lenders. Our animals and our fields will be ours once again. Gopi, whenever any person in our village is facing any kind of a problem, we should be the first to reach out and help him. We should do whatever it takes to help him. Only then will we be called good humans and good neighbors. Do you know who is a good neighbor? Many people have asked Jesus the same question. Who is my neighbor? Not those soldiers. What about Caesar? There was once a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when robbers attacked him, stripped him, beat him, leaving him half dead. It so happened that a priest came that way. When he saw the man he walked by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also came there, went over and looked at the man, and then walked by on the other side. But a despised Samaritan who was traveling on that road came across the man. And when he saw him his heart was filled with pity. He went over to the man, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own animal and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he gave the innkeeper two silver coins, and he told him to care for the man. "And when I come back," he said, "I will pay you whatever else you spend on him." Which one of these three acted like a neighbor toward the man who was attacked by the robbers? The one who was kind to him. You, then, do the same. Unintentionally I have made enemies in the neighboring village. For some time we've been engaged in destroying each others' work. But now I will go to them, and ask them forgiveness. I will assure them that I hold no hatred in my heart. And I will prove it to them. It's not going to be easy, but I will definitely do it. This is the only way in life. But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. And pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the one cheek, let him hit the other one also. And if someone takes away your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something. And if someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do for others only what you would have others do for you. With all this, we will definitely be changed. To the extent we all know, that when we do good to others, God will reward us. Instead of blaming our circumstances, we need to overcome them. That's the best part. Gopi, this big issue that you have taken up, I will always give you my support. Look at Bhadri here... he has made a wonderful beginning. He has opened his doors for fellowship and share his faith with others He shares the Word of God of how to walk in the way of Jesus Christ. How to make a difference in the society. Of course, It's not easy. In all this, we will need to share the responsibility. Absolutely! We will start working on getting rid of our debt. There is need of a good doctor in our village. Who can visit us at least once a week. Our children's education is also important. For this we must talk with the relevant people Absolutely! You know the people who screened the film about Jesus Christ, let us seek their advice. They must be knowing some way to help, and they can tell us. Why not? I feel it was God's will that they came to our village and showed the movie. That's the reason why so many changes are happening. Now, if it is God's will, we will be able to find a way to all other problems in the village. Of course I have so much faith now we are not left alone. Jesus’ hand is upon us. Now none of our work will be stalled. But then Jesus also said: Before one starts work on a building one should estimate all the costs involved in it. And see whether there is enough money to complete it. Or else, one may start the work and then later have to stop it, then you become a laughing stock. Right? But why are you telling us all this? Well, the reason is, Jesus is showing us the right way. In the same manner we need to walk daily in it. Instead of thinking about the whole world, we need to make humble beginnings. When we hold on to His hand and walk, all our problems would not be that burdensome. Even difficult tasks will become easier... ...And you do remember Gopi what Jesus had said? Any one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit to be my disciple. Therefore, the journey that we began with Jesus, we must strive to learn more and more about Him. We have to walk holding His hands We have to walk holding His hands We must stay together in His bonds Peace and happiness is our dream Peace and happiness is our dream Every color of this world is reflected on His face He resides in our every breath Every color of this world is reflected on His face