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 they 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!
When I was in high school, a teacher asked me what I was passionate about. I don’t remember what I said, but I remember his response. He said, ” if you were really passionate about that, you would be seeking at as much information as you could, and immersing yourself in it, otherwise you might be a bit interested, but not passionate.” Or something like that. It is easy to be interested in Jesus — such an awesome teacher and example of love and grace and so much more. But am I passionate? Do I want to be? Lord, I am afraid to say yes and take a leap of faith into a different kind of life. I pray that you will accept my small steps & continue to work me with when I lose the way.