Friends, I’m celebrating my 50th high school class reunion this weekend. Greetings to the Burke High School Class of 1974!
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT).
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
Jesus gives us three important instructions as part of this passage – “give up your own way, take up your cross,and follow Me”. These aren’t easy to obey, but they are essential. First, we must let go of our selfish desires and and the schemes we often use to obtain them. Next we accept Christ’s cross as our own, both acknowledging Him as our Savior and being ready to carry the burden He has carried for us already. Finally, we must live into the life He showed us, ready to go in His name to share the Good News. The alternative to this is separation from Him and God’s plan for us. We have a choice to make and Jesus waits for our answer.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we choose our own way instead of the path to life Jesus showed us. Forgive us and help us to show the world Your love. Amen.
