Jesus’ call on His disciples’ lives was clear — radical, but clear. In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” In a nutshell, Jesus says it’s a call to give up everything for Him.
I know of a number of people who have recently come face-to-face with this charge on their lives. Jesus is drawing them into deeper communion with Himself. But, it will cost them. Sacrifices such as:
- threat of a damaged relationship with friends and family
- loss of their former religious community
- financial support going away
- sacrificing the only life they’ve ever known
- even threats of inflicted harm
I’ve seen them wrestle with these sacrifices. It has certainly brought me encouragement to watch them press on toward Jesus. God does not call His children to great sacrifice and loss without the promise of great gain and joy. Without a doubt, these dear saints are giving up much to gain much.
He Promises You
In Mark 10:29-30 Jesus says, “I assure you that everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.”
Jesus calls His followers to give up a lot. He understands that. But, He also promises they will gain a hundredfold (of what they have given up) in the life to come.
Beloved, if you have lost your family because you’ve followed Jesus, He promises a new family through His blood. When you lose your reputation because You identify with Jesus, He promises you His reputation before the Father. If you lose your safety because you boldly stand up for Jesus, He promises eternal safety in His hands. If everyone leaves your side, Jesus can absolutely relate to you. He promises to never leave you. Praise Jesus for His mercy!
Praying my brothers and sisters cling to these promises and the Promise Giver,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor