Tuesday, January 15, 2019

the cost of following Jesus


Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Matthew 10:24-11:6. In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that following Him isn't easy. We have to choose Him over everything else in life - including our family, including our own lives. If we try to save our lives, we'll lose them. But if we give our lives for Him, we'll be saved.

It's not easy - but what could be more worth it? Have you counted the cost? Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to follow Him? Have you picked up your cross? These are questions we all have to ask ourselves. And the answers aren't hypothetical today, just like they weren't when Jesus asked them. More Christians have been killed in the last 100 years than in all previous years combined. Persecution and martyrdom are real today. We must commit ourselves to following Him, no matter how hard the cost might be.

God, thanks for calling us to follow You. Please give us the courage we need to do so.