For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.
(Luke 9.24
NRSV)
Jesus offered his disciples a paradox: "For those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake with find it." The disciples wanted Jesus to establish the kingdom on earth without any sacrifice. They thought of the good times they shared with Jesus and hoped that those good times would continue indefinitely. Jesus tried to tell them he was going to Jerusalem to suffer, die and be raised again. They were visibly upset. "This must never happen to you," Peter told Jesus. They misunderstood.
What they failed to understand was that Jesus was a model to follow. Jesus would suffer and die, and in dying he would have life. When we give of ourselves for Christ's sake, when we witness to our faith, and even place ourselves at risk, we will find life. That's the Gospel.
Lord Jesus, help me to bring life to those who do not know you. Amen.
Ron
Newhouse
Help Promote
Devotions.Net |
Past Devotions
| Home
| Bible
| Devotions
| Humor
| Visitors
| Links
|