Machine Gun Preacher

Often one of the hardest parts of being a Christian is staying focused, not getting discouraged in your pursuit of Christ. But we’ve got to stay focused...because the best things about the Christian life aren’t available to those who just get by in their spiritual walk...He can only bring deep peace and joy and mission to those who draw close—for reasons we will get to in a moment. In the movie when Sam loses his job and has to sell his bike, we see Sam go back into the old bar, talk to some old friends, and consider turning back. He doesn’t do it...but he is definitely tempted to. We all will be. We all dry up sometimes, sometimes it is are fault, sometimes it is because life hits us hard, etc.Jesus knew this was the key—and he made sure that heplanted a key thought in the minds of his disciples before hedied to ensure that they knew it too. They had it easy for 3years—to interact with Jesus daily, they just had to keep upwith Jesus. They practically lived together. And they were fullof life—seeing Jesus teach and do miracles every day. But asJesus approaches the cross, he needs to ensure that they getoff autopilot in their walk with God. He’s leaving. And in hiswake, he is not only going to leave them alone, he is going to leave them in charge. Thousands of people who will look to the disciples for love and guidance and strength. And in life in general, we will dry up spiritually if we don’t heed his advice too.