PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 9:21-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Whoever loses their life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:24)
Jesus is not asking us to choose death, but to choose him!
To choose Jesus is to choose everything he stands for.
Life, goodness, justice, mercy, love, joy, peace, etc.
Not just for ourselves, but for everyone!
Following Jesus is like Mother Theresa following compassion.
Like Martin Luther King Jr. pursuing justice and racial equality.
They didn’t choose suffering or death, but their choices led there.
Jesus urges us to stand up for justice, mercy, compassion with him.
He has won the war for us, now we fight the good fight with him.
Is my only motivation forgiveness and eternal life for me?
Then I have not understood Jesus, who lived and died for all!
His cross was for others, not for himself; our cross is the same.
Do I care for those who suffer, struggle, or need help or love?
Jesus is calling me to get off the couch and into action: follow him!
PRAYER
Lord, I do not want to lose my life, but neither do I want to waste it. Help me to invest the life you’ve given me to help others experience your love and life!
Kingdom first living is what Jesus is asking for: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” If I live selfishly I’m like the one talented person in the parable of the talents – not making any gain for the kingdom of God. Lord help me to live for you -wherever I go – to serve and seek to serve in all that I do!
All for Jesus.
I am not my own but belong to Him in all I do and say.
Living for Jesus – others need to see Christ living in me by what I say and do. My words and deeds must reflect the love of Christ living in me. I am His and He is mine and His banner over me is love. That love I need to share to others. Christ Jesus living in me and through me – being an instrument of His peace.