February 18 Devotion

Read Mark 9:23-27

Now that Jesus had shared his future with his followers he also shared what it would take to continue to follow him.  Being associated with Jesus had been a popular adventure so far.  Jesus had even shared with them great authority and power over sickness and diseases.  What a thrill that must have been. But Jesus spoke soberly to his followers about the cost that must be considered in moving forward in this movement.  Here are a few:

·         Deny yourself (selfish desires for personal gain and advantage)

·         Take up your cross (death…become a dead man walking with no regrets)

·         Follow (take direction and orders from Jesus)

·         Willingness to lose in this world in order to really gain what matters in the new world

·         Courage to stand with Jesus and his message in the face of persecution

What a list! This sounds more like the military than a religious club.  This is heavy commitment and devotion.  For those who answer this call there is a unique common bond of commitment that can even transcend blood family relations or national unity. And for all those who make the biggest difference in this world the commitment is the same. 

In examining your desires and commitments does your lifestyle reflect this kind of love and devotion to Jesus and his cause of the Kingdom of God? There is much help and support available for those who chose to live such a lifestyle of such radical devotion.  Here are a few resources of support: the Holy Spirit, the word of God, and brothers and sisters of common commitment. Along with the many rewards along the way, these resources prove to be enough to sustain such radical commitment. 

Choose this day to live for Him and His Kingdom. And stay close to His resources (the Spirit, the word, and other disciples).