And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:23-25
Is it worth following Jesus? Missionary Jim Elliot, who lost his life as a missionary in Ecuador said “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” The invitation from Jesus to His disciples began with “Come and See” – John 1:39. The call to the faithful became “Come and Die” – Luke 9:23. There is a longer side of eternity and life waiting for all of us. This is the shorter side. Did you know we are promised a hundredfold for anything given up for His sake? I would say its worth it… not because of what we get, but rather, for what we become – Christ like. I am becoming more like Him in word, thought and deed every day. This is God’s purpose for my life.
What is He asking me to say “yes” to or “no” to right now? Am I convinced His ways are worth it?
God, as this day begins I am aware of those hurting and in need of healing. As I read the ninth chapter of the gospel of Luke, I see how keenly aware he is of Your healing power and the great need of healing we have in the world. Use me today as an instrument of Your healing. Send me those in need of prayer.
