March 8, 2009

Read Mark 8:31-38

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.”—Mark 8:31-38

As we read this passage, especially the first command, it may be difficult to comprehend all that Jesus is asking us to do. Just how many things, how much, should we be denying ourselves? How big a cross will we have to bear? Or you may be thinking, I feel like I already bear the weight of a heavy cross...how much more can I take? More importantly, let's focus on the last two words: "follow me.” Jesus is asking us to focus on a relentless pursuit of faith. He is asking us to embark on an emotional, amazing-grace, soul-searching, life-saving adventure. Would you hike up Mount Everest and bring everything you own? Sometimes the journey requires only the essential equipment and in this case, it only requires you. Sure, we want to celebrate the many blessings in life along the way, but we want to be mindful that the greatest gift of all is grace and salvation through faith in Christ.

Pray: Gracious Father, help me to walk closer to you each day as I navigate the temptations of the world. By your grace I am saved, and there is no greater blessing. Amen.

Christy Kleinbeck enjoys working in youth and urban education at UrbanFUTURE in Tower Grove South. She spends Sunday mornings at the Gathering with her fiancé, Kameron.