Jesus calls us to follow Him not on our terms but on His. He does not preach the prosperity gospel. He has no intention of recruiting us. In fact, Jesus doesn't even promise us a roof over our heads. The foxes and birds have better "benefits" than we do (see Lk 9:58). Also, Jesus doesn't let us follow at our own pace but demands we jump when He says "Jump." Now is the acceptable time (2 Cor 6:2), and we've no time to bury fathers or say good-bye to family (Lk 9:60-61). Jesus demands all now.
It would be unreasonable for anyone else in the world to make such demands. However, a crucified, nail-scarred, thorn-crowned Savior has the right to expect all now. The first of all commandments is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (Lk 10:27).
After what Jesus has done for us in becoming man and dying on the cross, anything less than everything is sacrilegious. The least we can do is the most we can do for Him. It is a great privilege to be Jesus' slave (Col 3:24). We are eternally indebted to Him for allowing us to have the honor of serving Him. Thank You, Jesus!
| PRAYER: | Jesus, give me the privilege to work and die for You. "The greatest thing in all my life is serving You." |
| PROMISE: | "The king granted my requests, for the favoring hand of my God was upon me." –Neh 2:8 |
| PRAISE: | When finding that she gets "sloppy" in her response to the Lord, Mary prays Psalm 51 that the Lord grant her a willing spirit (see Ps 51:14). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College