Mark Devotions
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Jesus obviously didn’t bother about opinion polls or popularity contests. And he wasn’t trying to enlarge his following either – in fact what he said would scare prospective disciples away! He used scary words/phrases like “deny (or relinquish hold of) self”, “cross” (sure to send shivers down hearers’ spines), “follow me” (i.e. go where Jesus goes and live just like he did; cf. Luke 9:58), and “losing one’s life” (how easy is that?). But Jesus was actually showing a new, satisfying way for us self-depending, self-ish humans to live. When it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, only total surrender, sacrifice, and faithfulness will bring us the life and joy that he promised. And the unique thing about all of it is that it requires only our giving him complete access to our lives for him to come in and make it happen!
Prayer: Lord, you make being your disciple not easy. Following you is scary, because it seems that you ask too much for me to “give up.” Forgive me for secretly thinking that you are no fun! Keep reminding me that whatever you do in me, and ask of me is because you love me without limits, and you want what is best in my life. Help me understand that worldly “clutter” and selfish tendencies in my life leave no place for you to come in and cleanse me and fill me. All you ask is that I open myself completely to you. I know that means giving you complete control; but it also means that you will fill me with Resurrection power that will fill my life with compassion for others and a passion for you. Lord, I want to “see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly”. Amen.
Song: Listen to Song
