The cost of discipleship Jesus willingly embraced the cross, not only out of obedience to his Fathers will, but out of a merciful love for each one of us in order to set us free from sin, Satan, and death. Jesus knew that the cross was the Fathers way for him to achieve victory and glory for our sake. He counted the cost and said yes to his Fathers will. We, too, must count the cost and be ready to follow the Lord Jesus in the way of the cross if we want to share in his glory and victory. What is the way of the cross for you and me? It means that when my will crosses with Gods will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and sweet for us is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that Gods love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). We can never give more than God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love of God? The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or any possession above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine what they love first and foremost. Jesus way to glory and power is opposite the worlds way of glory, power, and success. The choice is ours, but the Lord does not leave us alone if we choose to follow him. Does the love of Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (see 2 Corinthians 5)? Lord Jesus, may your love transform us that we may truly desire nothing more than life with you. May you always be first in our thoughts and intentions, and in our words and actions.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:14:23 +0000
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