I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. John 17:20-21

Devotion

Have you ever been reading a book and a line just jumps out at you then sticks with you from that point forward? This happened to me over a decade ago when I was reading the book How People Grow by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. The line that stood out …

“People are God’s Plan A.”

I paused and let that seemingly simple statement soak in. 

“People are God’s Plan A.” 

So what did they mean by this and why did it profoundly impact me? In their book, Cloud and Townsend discuss the elements that foster spiritual growth in people. Through their collective years of clinical practice as mental health professionals, along with their devotion to Scripture, they highlighted the reality that God’s design for his people is to be in relationship with him and with each other. So much so that he entrusted his gospel message, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, in the hands of his followers. The authors also highlight the findings of modern science and psychology that reflect ancient wisdom: When we are connected to others in healthy relationships, we thrive. When we are isolated and disconnected from others, we struggle. Once you recognize this design, it's hard not to see it all throughout Scripture—and even in your own life. 

In week one of this devo series, we saw how Jesus gathered a group of disciples to walk with him, learn from him, and ultimately be commissioned by him to go and make disciples of all nations. He called them into a relationship with him, God’s Plan A. We also identified that to be a Christian is to be a disciple, so the commission remains the same for us today: to walk as a disciple of Jesus and to invite others to follow him too. Last week, we explored the first pillar of the Discipleship Pathway, weekly worship, and why this rhythm is a critical part of our journey with God. We gather weekly in our community of faith to praise him, pray, learn from God’s Word, and to celebrate communion and baptism. We do this together. God's Plan A is people.  

This week, we are looking at the second pillar of the Pathway: groups. We believe God has called each of us to be a part of a smaller community of people where we can be known, challenged, and prayed for, as well as encourage others on their Discipleship Pathway. Simply put, we are called to do life together because, yes, God’s Plan A is people. This isn't by accident. Doing life together is a direct reflection of Jesus’ life on earth and the way God designed us to function best. Not only that, it's also a reflection of the trinitarian nature of God. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit living in perfect community with one another. 

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he engaged the larger crowds as he taught and shared the will of his Father with them. But he also called a smaller group of 12 to follow him and do life with him—sharing meals together, traveling, and ministering to the needs of the community around them (Mark 3:14). In addition to his time with the 12 disciples, he invited an even smaller group to a more intimate experience with him (Matthew 17:1-2). Jesus knew them and gave them the opportunity to know him. This is still God’s plan for his disciples today. 

When you think about your journey, how are you engaging in groups? Are you in smaller communities where people don’t just know who you are, but they also know what’s going on in your life? God’s Plan A for each of us is to be in relationship with him and others, regardless of our age, stage of life, or the season we are walking through.

Explore available groups here and join a community with others on the Discipleship Pathway.

PRAYER

Father, help us lean into your design for us, engaging in smaller groups so that we can both know and be known by others. Help us encourage those who feel isolated and lonely, and to those who are struggling in secret. May they may know your grace, mercy, truth, and holiness by experiencing it tangibly in the communities you’ve called us to walk in. Amen.

Todd Poe
Pastor, Discipleship

Resources:

Read How People Grow by Cloud & Townsend.

Read Acts 2.

Find a group using Crossings Group Finder. 

Watch the Relationship Enrichment channel. 

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .