CONSIDER: Jesus gives some very strong language at the end of chapter 10 regarding the cost of being a disciple. Do you love God more than your own life? Have you abandoned what you want for what God wants?
ACT: Think what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Can you truly call yourself one?
good question . . . . this is the ultimate fork in life. It really is a daily decision, a daily dying to self, but there is that one turning point in life where you are just faced with it. Here or there, me or Christ, wrong or right - and if we think we are delaying the decision, we are not. We are simply choosing ourselves today.
ReplyDeleteLastly, I don't understand where the idea of a wimpy Jesus comes from. He promotes peace with saying "turn the other cheek," but even that is revolutionary and a complete war against the flesh and self will. I just admire his chuck norris like expectations - give it all or go home.
At first glance, Christ's instructions to His disciples is pretty overwhelming to me. Am I living my life as a true disciple...in action and motivation? Am I ready to stand trial, be persecuted, hated by those who hate Christ, even to death? Wow, hard to wrap my brain around that from the warm and comfortable perspective of my current life. A bit scary even, but then I focus on the promises and encouragement He gives with those instructions. "Don't be afraid, you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows." "If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven." Certainly a worthwhile trade off when I look at it from an eternal perspective - a short time here in obedience (and whatever that brings my way) for an eternity with my Father who loves me more than I can imagine. May not always be easy, but it will always be worth it!
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