THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:34-38
“Whoever wants to be my disciple…” (Mark 8:34)
Look at this list, at what Jesus says is involved: do you want this?
When I speak with other Christians, I assume that we WANT this.
But if we wanted it, we would be pursuing it… right?
We wouldn’t wait for it to just happen, we would work towards it.
If I want to learn French, I just don’t sit around and wait.
I buy books, I develop exercises, I put myself around others who speak it.
And deep down it’s because I think knowing this is desirable or beneficial.
What Jesus describes – sacrificial generosity with Jesus – do we desire it?
The scary thing is, there is not scaled down version of discipleship.
Either you WANT it – and are a believer, a Christian, a disciple – or you don’t.
What Jesus describes is contrary to our self-centered way of thinking and being.
It goes against the current of human nature – the current that leads to the falls.
Our world is the mess it is because we do not see this way as desirable, beneficial.
And the only way God’s kingdom can be restored is if we pursue this way with Jesus.
So the question again is, do I want this?
Will I seek this, will I pursue this, will I find others to help me with this?
“Whoever wants to be (a Christian, a believer) must…”
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this life is impossible for me, yet I need it, I WANT it. I need Your help, but I also need my intention. Help me to WANT it more!
Living for Jesus.
Yesterday was the Lord’s Day. Following Jesus isn’t just a Sunday commitment but an everyday commitment.
Once again I am reminded of today’s reading not only to be a hearer of the word but also a doer of the Word. How cn I put that Word into action this day for every day is the Lord’s day.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they’ll know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.