Mark 8:34–9:1 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.’ 9 And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’
REFLECT
Counting the Cost At the beginning of the New Year most of us set new year’s resolutions. Go to the gym, cut out chocolate, eat healthy, the list goes on. Usually by the middle of January we have failed miserably. We try so hard, denying ourselves these things, working on our own strength to accomplish an end goal. When we read the word “deny” in scripture we automatically think self-denial. Do this, do not do that, give up this and forsake that. However, I do not believe this is what Jesus was teaching. Jesus’ call is not to self-denial, but to deny self. It is coming to a place of surrender where we say, “I can’t Lord, but you can."Self-Denial is working in our own strength.Denying Self is surrendering all to Jesus. Jesus surrendered ALL as he took up his cross, allowing us to live an abundant and eternal life if we choose to deny self, pick up our cross and surrender all. We have perhaps all sang the beautiful hymn written by Judson W. van Deventer, “I surrender all.” Quoting his own words “At last, the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered deep down in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, he caused me to sing.”
RESPOND
Consider the Lyrics of this beautiful hymn. May it be your hearts cry this day: All to Jesus I surrender.All to him I freely give.I will ever love and trust him.In His presence daily live All to Jesus I surrender.Humbly at his feet I bow.Worldly pleasures all forsaken.Take me Jesus take me now.Love and prayers Revd Sara
Comentários