 Discipleship and the road to recovery By Dave Kyncl
I love the illustration of Christ meeting the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The example of Christ walking alongside these two bewildered believers has been a challenge and a great metaphor for living a life of discipleship. Christ modeled discipleship during his brief time on earth. He walked and talked with His followers. He taught and reasoned with them. He demonstrated love and forgiveness for them and for others. He challenged and empowered them. Two passages of scripture that are commonly used when discussing discipleship, are Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Timothy 2:1-2. Matthew 28:18-20--Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 2 Timothy 2:1-2--You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. These passages challenged me 30 years ago to commit my life to the process of investing in others through intentional discipleship. But have you ever noticed the context of these two passages? I used to think that I had to get all my questions answered, all my issues resolved, all my hurts healed BEFORE God could ever use me to disciple some one else. HOWEVER, he gave the disciples the great commission, even though some doubted (see Matthew 28:17). Paul challenged Timothy to stay true, even though everyone else had not (See 1 Timothy 1:15). Christ gives us the opportunity to walk alongside one another on the journey toward becoming more like Him as we continue to grow more like Him. Many of you know that Rhonda and I, Craig and Anita and Stephanie all committed to working through the Celebrate Recovery Bible Study as we prepared to launch the recovery ministry at the 2:8 House. It has been a very challenging, rewarding, and growing time as we walk alongside one another and students who seek healing for various hurts, habits and hang-ups. It has been very humbling as I have admitted to others on the road to recovery that I also struggle. Even though I've been discipling students for 30 years and I have seen God at work in and through me for so many times, I still struggled with consumption and co-dependence. For many years, I would eat or go shopping when I was anxious or stressed. Even at the time, I knew that was not the best way to cope, but it was the easiest. However, I am learning to rest in Him. I'm learning that, as 1 Timothy 6:6 states, "godliness with contentment is great gain. " I am also learning that healing comes as I confess MY sins to others I join along the road to Christlikeness. As James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." When we look back to the Road to Emmaus, we see two bewildered disciples who are willing to be authentic and vulnerable with a stranger on the road. As they share their doubts and disappointments, they literally come face to face with the resurrected, LIVING LORD. I'm Dave. I'm a greatful believer in Jesus Christ, and I celebrate recovery from consumption and co-dependence. I also know God is still working on me. He is always faithful. He continues to provide healing as I share my journey with other believers on the road to becoming more like Christ. Thank you for joining me on that road. | 
