We all have reasons for why we do and don't do things. And some are extremely good, and valid. Yet when it comes to following Jesus, what holds us back from going 100 percent in for him? What can we say when confronted with Scriptures like this: " 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (from Luke 9).
What reasons can we possibly have that God will accept when all is said and done and we're at the end of our lives, and he asks what we have done with the time, treasures, talents, and people he's placed in to our lives? Time is short. We are but two dates and a dash on a headstone away (or, heaven knows, I don't), a trumpet blast away from seeing him and being held to account. What are we doing? There's souls that need saving! There's work to be done! Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send workers to his field, for the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few!!! Church, it's time to be the community God called us to be, to hold one another up, and send one another out to share the good news of the Kingdom! we are redeemed from Sin, the penalty and price has been paid. The covenant God made with man, He paid Himself where we have fallen short! Put away the excuse, and shoulder to the plow! There's work to be done!
Luke 9:57-62 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Cost of Following Jesus
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus[a] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Footnotes:
Luke 9:60 Greek he
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