“You MUST lose something
I thought about a lot of different names for the title but this one seems the bests. Although it probably is not the most popular. I hope and pray that you will continue to read. Another title was “you WILL lose something.” I like must because we have a choice if you choose now. If you decide to wait your choice maybe taken away and made for you.
The words we read today come from the mouth of Jesus our Savior. You know those words written in red in the Bible. I have heard people say, “I only read the words in red.” This comments makes me laugh, most of us know that all of the Bible is inspired by God! Let’s dive into our scripture today.
Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Stop for a moment and read this scripture again. Let it sink in, meditate on what Jesus is saying. This is a powerful and important message Jesus is teaching to anyone who wants to follow Him. Some scholars and teachers say; Jesus is teaching these to those who want to be His disciples, maybe to those who want to go deeper. I disagree, I believe Jesus is teaching this to everyone who has placed their faith in Him. This is not a command as much as a result of true salvation. If we want to follow Jesus this will be a part of our life.
Today’s scripture is in direct parallel with the progression I shared on Sunday; “Love…Humility…Trust…Obey…Blessings” We respond to Christ’s love by humbling ourselves to Him (Giving up our own way). We trust and obey (taking up our cross and following Him). We are blessed (our lives are saved).
My friends you must lose something, you can willingly lose your own life and follow Jesus or you will lose your life for all of eternity. You are given the choice! So many times you hear me quote the scripture, “Today I give you life or death, blessing or cursing.” Jesus is telling us the same thing. He finished the work so that we can all be saved, we can all receive a new life. But He gives each of us the choice and His will for you is life and blessings! CHOOSE LIFE!
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