Our scripture this morning is Luke 9:23-24 (ESV).
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Jesus teaches that if we intend to follow Him we must want what God wants for us rather than what we want for ourselves. This is hard for us as humans as we see in our history. We are not very good at denying ourselves whatever interests us at the moment, no matter the risk.
In addition to this we must be willing to take up our cross daily. Jesus means we are called to do as He does, wanting what is best for God’s children and not just us personally. True service as He showed us is caring about each other more than ourselves.
He tells us “whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” This seems backwards to humans but is completely faithful to what He teaches and does for us – sacrificing Himself that we might be saved. Jesus tells us the world is not our home and that He has prepared a place for us in the Father’s house.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our selfish ways that often harm us and others. Forgive us and send us to show the world Your love and mercy. Amen.
