The Cost of Connection - Stressing the Rails - April 22, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

The Cost of Connection - Stressing the Rails - April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY April 22, 2022

The Cost of Connection

Meaningful relationships have the power to change our life, but they come at a cost.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ``Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-22

We often think of the disciples in terms of their relationship to the Lord, but have you ever thought about the bond they shared with each other? Together they witnessed Jesus’s miracles, discussed His confusing parables, suffered through His death, and rejoiced at His resurrection. The intimacy among them could not be manufactured, nor could it be undone.

But the disciples’ friendship came at a cost—each man left his livelihood and familiar routine to follow Jesus for three years (Matthew 4:18-22). Joining Him was not only controversial and at times dangerous; it also required constant reevaluation of the things they once held as true. For example: ``You have heard that it was said, `AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' ``But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ``If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. ``Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. ``Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. ``You have heard that it was said, `YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' ``But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:40-45).

Though the disciples’ friendship was a byproduct of following Jesus, the depth of their connection came from their shared experiences. That’s why true friends are rare—such relationships require time, energy, resources, and most importantly, vulnerability. Superficial conversations leave us with superficial connections, but as Scripture promises, “The one who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Think about it

Are you satisfied with your current friendships? If not, what could you do to make them more meaningful?

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.