07/10/2021
As Christians we are called to follow Jesus, but is our gaze fixed upon the rewards we have been promised, and do we seek these rewards as if they were our ultimate goal? We speak openly about following Christ, but do we actually know what He is asking of us? Has He become a means to an end for us? It is easy to become so enamored with the good gifts we are offered for having believed, and obeyed, that we lose sight of the fact that Jesus is leading us into a relationship with God, and not simply to the gifts of His Spirit, and eternal life.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 ESV
Would we be satisfied with pain, hunger, thirst, heartbreak, or any of the other hardships of life if suffering was all there was to them? I dare say our answer would be a resounding “NO!”, but what if we were asked about, joy, peace, happiness, love, and the other pleasant things in life? Would we seek them if we simply experienced the delight they had to offer us? Did I hear you say “YES”?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
So, what if we were asked about suffering hunger so that our families would never experience it, or if we were asked to go thirsty so that all those in our life would always have their thirsts quenched? This changes how we perceive suffering doesn’t it? Love, and relationship, change us, but our love and relationship with God changes more than just us… it changes everything.
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
Suddenly we come to understand that joy is not our goal, but joy in God is, and eternal life is not our destination, but eternity with God is. Nothing in our lives has any real meaning without God being in it, and yet, everything is worth the price, and the suffering when He is. If we realize that Jesus is leading us to that place where God is our everything, and in us always, then we will have finally understood what it means to follow Him.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
So, as we come to realize that by following Jesus the pain and suffering are still part of life for us, some might walk away from Him, but if they come to understand the amazing love and relationship that we are being lead to with God, then all of the rewards, although very pleasant, simply become rewards, and the goal of loving, and being loved by God will have changed everything.
“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””
Revelation 7:17 ESV
Do we truly follow Jesus today?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who lived, suffered, died, and was raised from the dead that we might be redeemed, and lead into perfect relationship with you. Thank you Lord for the love you shower down on us each day, and for calling us your friends, children, and faithful servants. Thank you Holy Father for the many gifts and blessings you present us with as we walk with you, but never let us become spoiled by them, expecting them, or placing them above our love for you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who gives us of Yourself, and asks only that we love, obey, and live in relationship with you. We praise your Holy name for every step we take with Jesus that leads us closer to you. Wash us pure in His blood to remove the sin from us so that we can enter into your presence, pure, and acceptable in your sight. We pray that on the day of our judgement that you will find us worthy of spending eternity with you, and forever at your table praising, and worshipping you.
Rich Forbes