“And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:38-39
Jesus, with eyes full of love and compassion, extends His hand and offers us life abundant and joyful, here and for eternity. “But how much will it cost?!” You ask. The answer is short, simple, and painful. “It will cost you everything,” the Lord replies.
Ouch. That’s what the rich young ruler must have said when he asked Jesus how he could have eternal life. The Lord commanded the young man to sell everything he had, give the money to the poor, and follow Him as Lord. The man couldn’t bear the cost, and he walked away the loser.
Is it worth taking up your cross, losing your life, and following the Lord? Jesus wraps his loving arms around us, reminding us, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).
What was true for the rich young ruler is true for us. God seems to always be pointing to one more area of our life that needs to come under His domain. “Ouch,” we reply, “Lord, haven’t you asked enough of me?” You can be sure that at whatever point you resist, God will persevere.
Lord, what area of my life still needs to come under Your rule? Please show it to me, and then help me to place it under Your domain. May I look to the apostle Paul, who counted everything a loss in order to know Jesus. Please help me to understand that I have everything to gain when I lose my life for Your sake.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
