Jesus calls us to follow Him not on our terms but on His. He does not preach the prosperity gospel. In fact, Jesus doesn't even promise us a roof over our heads. The foxes and birds seemingly have better "benefits" than we do (Lk 9:58). Moreover, Jesus doesn't let us choose our own pace but demands we jump when He says "Jump." "Now is the acceptable time" (2 Cor 6:2).
Jesus demands our "all." It would be unreasonable for anyone else in the world to make such demands. But 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, how can we give Him anything less than everything? The least we can do is the most we can do for Him. Our greatest privilege is to be Jesus' slave (Col 3:24). We are eternally indebted to Him for 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: | "Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God." –Lk 9:62 |
| PRAISE: | Jesus spoke to St. Francis and told him to "rebuild My Church." Despite initially misunderstanding the Lord's intent, Francis spent the rest of his life fulfilling that command. |
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