By Andrew Williams – May 20, 2022
And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God]. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [in the eternal kingdom of God]? For what can a man give as an exchange (a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [in the eternal kingdom of God]? For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:34-38 AMPC
Good morning fellow disciples.
Your choices bring either rewards or consequences!
What is your relationship with Jesus like?
Are you ashamed of Him? Are you ashamed to proclaim the gospel? Are you ashamed of living like His disciple should?
If you’re afraid to live for Him and to stand up for Him then you will reap consequences for your actions.
Hear the words of Jesus:
“For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, what you say in this conversation about eternal life is very straightforward. We have to choose You, give up the worldly life, and be proud of being Your disciples.
Father God I choose to respond to Jesus’ sacrifice by accepting Him as my Lord, Savior, and King. I will live as His kingdom disciple: fully surrendered, fully obedient, and fully submitted to Him.
Thank You for giving me eternal life! I will live here on earth according to Your gospel, I will give up the worldly life, and live like Jesus did. Amen.