Happy New Year. And may God Bless you and prosper you this year!
As we begin this New Year, I cannot think of a better topic to begin with, than the one that we find ourselves on in our progression through the book of Luke. This discussion largely comes down to priorities and focus. Who are we going to focus on this year? Are we going to selfishly make ourselves the center of our universe, or are we going to step out and make God the #1 priority in our lives.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
There’s is a generally accepted saying: “Anything worth having is worth working for.” That principle is generally understood. One place in our society that it doesn’t seem to be accepted is in religion. For some reason, many believe that the benefits of religion should be had....just because. But Jesus sees things differently.
First of all, Jesus indicates that if we want the benefits that he has to offer, we must come after him. The word “come” is a word of action. That means that we cannot access his benefits by simply existing. But that word also implies that we must walk in a SPECIFIED and DIRECTIONAL manner. We cannot go our own way....in our own manner, but we must go to where Jesus is and in the manner that he commands.
Secondly, Jesus says that we must deny ourselves. Jesus is telling us that if we want the benefits that he has to offer, we MUST make some sacrifices. Our purpose in life must no longer be about fulfilling our own wishes and desires, those desires now must be converted into doing what our master wishes. We must now realize that if we are to follow Jesus, it is no longer our own lives to do what we want.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
The significance of this concept cannot be overstated. We do not belong to ourselves any longer, we belong to God. Therefore since God is the owner, he must be the controller of our lives!
Lastly, Jesus states that we are to take up his cross. In other words, we are to carry on the mission that he started. He came to seek and to save those that are lost, and that must be our mission as well.
Reflecting the SON,
Dennis Hogan
Questions, comments or further explanation? Contact me at: dennis.hogan@icloud.com
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