27 November 2019 – Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Scripture
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Reflection
There is a cost of following Christ that has been highlighted in Jesus’ words, often causing people to turn back and no longer follow Him, as the cost seemed too great to bear.
“Deny themselves”- to come against our own self-centeredness is hard; it’s uncomfortable and counterintuitive to go against the whole “take matters into your own hands and believe in yourself and yourself alone” mentality. Yet to be Jesus’ disciples we must deny ourselves and entrust our lives to Him.
“Take up their cross daily”- not once, but daily. It’s an ongoing process!
“Follow me”- this reminds me of my teenage years when we used to go from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo by car to attend an annual youth retreat. It was at least 2 to 3 cars on the road together, but because we were following each other, the drivers had to keep an eye on the car in front and remember the license plate so that they would not follow the wrong car, miss a turn or the exit from the highway. This was before mobile phones were accessible to most people, so you can imagine the hassle when a driver lost the rest of the group!
To follow someone, we need to follow closely, to know them well so that we don’t mistake them for someone else.
Follow Jesus closely!
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for these organizations who are helping people in need: Home Sweet Home, Renewal Center and Sonflowers.