PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 10:32-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Three days later he will rise.” (Mark 10:34)
The disciples know that trouble awaits them in Jerusalem.
The twelve are astonished that Jesus is leading them there; the rest are afraid.
But Jesus knows that trouble awaits him too… and something else.
He knows the misery he will endure, but he also knows the final result.
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Following Jesus also means the way of the cross to the crown.
Doing what Jesus says and does is hard, but the final result will be worth it.
I say this, but do I actually live this out?
I am more like those who followed who were afraid.
The enemy of my soul plays on those fears, and amplifies them to hold me back.
What if I would amplify the final result: the Lord will raise me up through this!
I will get through this, the Lord will help me, and use me, and see me through to the end.
Jesus leads us through challenge and trouble, but he knows what is on the other end.
Though afraid, I will keep following, and one day I too will rise up into his joy!
PRAYER
Lord, I am following but I am also afraid. Thank you for patiently walking at my pace, and for reminding me that I too will get through this. I will rise with you!
I can relate to the disciples and the followers reaction, yet by Jesus telling them what was going to happen: “Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.” before it did – is prophetic and even though they couldn’t believe what Jesus was saying or they were astonished and afraid – they would remember afterwards as Mark records it for all of us who live so many years after the fact! How scripture affirms and helps us trust the truth of what is written. Jesus did go to the cross! I believe – help me deal with any doubts or unbelief!
when I read the passage I felt grateful for all that Jesus has done for us.
Astonished.
Afraid.
Sounds like me in my daily walk. Afraid to stand up for Jesus. Yet I know that He is with me at all times and will see me through. Ultimately I know I will live with Him forever – today and all my tomorrows. But all to often I rely on my doings and not His working in me and through me. He empowers. He has promised. I just need to go forward in His name. Faith over fear.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]