SCRIPTURE: Mark (NIV) 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
OBSERVATION: One cannot accuse Jesus of sugar-coating His call. He did not promise us a thorn-less rose garden. He gathered the crowd as well as His disciples to let them know that following Him would be a difficult journey.
There will be requirements that we would rather not accept. There may be times when we would rather look the other way or pretend that we do not hear what He telling us to do.
The wonderful peace and joy in our hearts can be challenged by the ungodly world into which He has sent us.
APPLICATION: Following Jesus is not always easy and pleasant—not the way we would choose. But it is ALWAYS worth it! And the options are not acceptable. Like my dad said, “It is worth the sacrifice to follow Jesus!”
PRAYER: Lord, the more I know you, the more I love you. The more I know and love you, the more I am convinced that following you is worth any cross I am called to carry. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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