My Scripture reading this morning was in the Gospel of Matthew. These are a few of my thoughts from that reading.
The Gospel is often sold as the answer to our life’s problems. People are told that if they “accept Christ” their life will improve. Their marital problems will be solved. They will experience success and satisfaction in all their personal relationships. But is that what Scripture teaches? Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:34-38:
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Not exactly “your best life now,” is it? “When Jesus calls a man,” wrote Bonhoeffer, “he bids him come and die.” If you follow Jesus, your life might not improve. You might be shunned by your family. Your marriage might fall apart. Your children might reject you. You could lose your friends and your job. It might cost you everything. But with that life lost is the promise of a life found:
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 10:39)
Our best life is in eternity with Christ; but we can only find that life by turning our backs on our best life now.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 16:24)
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3 Comments:
#1 || 07·01·12··06:45 || Even So...
Yes. We neeed His life now, and that requires a purpose driven death...
#2 || 07·01·12··07:59 || Don Fields
Right on! We set people up by promising things the Bible never promises! And given the choice who wouldn't want the best of life now and a home in heaven? "How many of you want to go to heaven when you die? Raise your hands and pray this prayer..." How many will sit there and say, "No thanks." I choose hell. Unfortunately, raising their hands and praying a prayer doesn't guarantee either of the things that have been promised.
#3 || 07·01·12··19:31 || Scott
A reformed Osteen might say, "Life Stinks, your best life is in heaven!"
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