Title: To Follow Jesus / Luke 14:24-27
Contents To Follow Jesus / Luke 14:24-27
Key Verse: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Anyone who decides to follow Jesus will be burdened and challenged at least once. This is because it requires a higher level of payment than we thought. It was a story about good things happen if you believe and live a life of faith, your health will improve, you will receive blessings, and you will become wealthy and successful.
But when you start your life of faith, what our Lord requires is that you first change the owner of your life. That is a really difficult decision. Changing the owner means boldly driving out the current owner and bringing him in as a new owner. If you say who the new owner is, it is Jesus.
At first, it was a little uncomfortable. It was because I was not used to living with the Lord. One day, without realizing it, I have a deep conversation with the Lord, and I start to hear the voice of the Lord. This is what we call 'change'. This is not just a change of mood. This is not a change that touches the peripheral nerves and makes you feel good. In fact, this change is the starting point that leads those who believe in Jesus to heaven. He says. Outwardly, I am clearly the same as I was yesterday, but my insides have changed.
From this point on, I try to follow the Lord. I try to approach things that are difficult to understand and accept. I used to feel uncomfortable with the Bible, but now I feel that the words of the Bible fit my aptitude. I become interested in others other than myself, and I feel a strong urge to live according to the Lord's Word. And finally, I deny myself and live the life of a disciple who takes up his cross.
What is the life of a person who becomes like Jesus? A person who obeys what Jesus said. Obedience, that is, being one's wife and taking up one's cross. Jesus did not teach this with words, but demonstrated it with actions. He brought water into a basin and washed their feet. As God, he served people and was the last. He died on the cross with the shedding of blood. The Lord's death is service and love.
How are we? Do we really have the humility to go down to a low position and serve people and sinners? And do you love your brothers with the great love of God in your heart? Do you remember what Jesus said to Peter after he was resurrected? It was, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” The last thing Jesus confirmed to his beloved disciple was 'love'. It wasn't money, it wasn't power, it wasn't honor. , it was love. Because love is the only way to know the heart of God, who gave His only begotten Son to save the dead from sin. Those caught in the nail of love do not despair, but boldly deny themselves to be like the Lord. .
Prayer: Forgive me for wanting to be like you but neglecting your words. Let me humbly boast of you in the field of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Lord's Prayer