See in a new light!
See in a new light!
In the past when I had read Mark 8:31- 38, I had created myself as a character in this passage who would be maybe unwilling, a bit afraid or uncertain about letting go of what I have and following God completely and fully. I felt shame as part of this. I didn’t feel like I was living up to the Glory of God.
As I was reading this morning and reflecting, I started to see it in a new light.
Let me share it with you; Mark 8; 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[a] 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.”
As I would read (“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me). What does this mean? Denying myself, crucifying my self-will and self-sufficiency is what bearing my cross means. To relinquish my own plans and desires for my life. Facing shame, rejection, betrayal, persecution, and even complete loss to be obedient to God, if necessary.
Reading these things would terrify me.
As I pressed into it, tried to understand why.
I am embarrassed to say, but I believed my method was superior, and I could manage it alone—planning, striving, and attempting everything independently. Many of us likely share this desire for self-sufficiency, avoiding asking for help submit to a better way.
This passage comforts me today because it reassures me that I don't have to go it alone and rely solely on myself. Instead of relying on myself, I choose to give up my “self” (ways desires) and live according to God. Rather than relying on my own thoughts, I can seek him and allow him to shape me. God will help me to help cast off what is not of him and commit to living in accordance with him.
While He could ask me to do things that scare me, I can tackle them by leaning on him, rather than solely depending on my own abilities.
Even if faced with opposition from skeptics, I will remain steadfast in following His will, knowing that He will guide me. Today, as you ponder this passage, let go of any barriers hindering you from embracing everything God has in store for you. In his teachings, he explains that sacrificing one's life for him, meaning putting aside personal desires and self-reliance. No amount of worldly wealth, recognition, or material items can fulfill you. They will leave you devoid of anything. However, God wants us to relinquish these things, letting Him fill us with His everlasting, perfect completeness.