MARK 8:34-37
“”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
What is my cross? … the hard stuff of life that looks like Jesus’ cross ... the one He took up and hung on for the sake of others.
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but who ever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Letting our grasping hands relax and release … determining our purpose will be for Jesus … and letting our hands stay held open to receive and give out.
Because … “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
None and nothing …
“If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
That sounds reasonable to me.
So let go of the ideas that:
People should treat you better
Life should be easier
I’ve paid my dues - I deserve ___________
(whatever it is – no you don’t)
The paraphrase for today (Curt – are you out there?)
Release everything in life to Him and for Him. Nothing valuable will be lost in this exercise.
Stand up and worship God … no matter who is watching.
For a day is coming when Jesus Himself will pick you out in front of everyone and return what you have given Him.