Luke 9 -- What He Said

Jesus gave the 12 apostles something He didn’t give others – authority over all demons and the ability to heal sicknesses.  Yet when it came to the feeding of the five thousand, their finite brains couldn’t make the leap of faith, and Jesus stepped in to divide the food.

Later, Jesus asked them what the people were saying about Him.  Then came the point-blank question:  “But who do You say I am?”  To the Jewish leaders, Peter’s answer would be blasphemy, and he probably knew he was risking his life by uttering it:  “You are the Christ from God.”

Jesus said to all of them, “If people want to follow Me, they must give up the things they want.  They must be willing to give up their lives DAILY to follow Me.  Those who want to save their lives will give up TRUE LIFE.  But those who give up their lives for Me will have true life.”

I read through that several times this morning.  How we hate to give up the things we want – not the things we have, but our desires!  And I think Jesus is saying that He knows what a struggle it’s going to be to do so.  That’s why He added, “They must be willing to give up their lives daily …”  Each new day that comes brings with it the temptations to quit the race – to go back to the old life.  Satan makes it sound so alluring and attractive.  “You get to indulge your desires!” he whispers.  But Jesus says, “Give it up.  I’ve got something much better for you – TRUE life.  What you were meant to do.”  Give up to get … not something that usually works in this world.  But then again, this world is not our home.

Father, help me to daily make the purposeful decision to give up what I still try to hold onto from my old life.  Erase all doubts that this new life is every bit worth it.  Expose Satan’s whispers for the lies they are.  Let me listen only to Jesus.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford