Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 9:18-27. Verse 18 reveals that this conversation comes from Jesus' prayer life. Many times alone in prayer the Father breaks in and talks with us. Prayer is also about listening. Jesus here is prompted to ask "who do the crowds say I am?" A good question at this point in the ministry. Everything has been going so well  - the crowds are coming out to everything. Its a good time to check the motives of the disciples. Why are you following Jesus?

Verse 19 reveals a truth that is sadly still a problem today - many have a wrong opinion about Jesus' identity. Verse 20 reveals a sadder truth. The disciples who are very close to Jesus can say it with their mouth - he is the Christ (messiah) but they don't really get what that means. Jesus gives them little excuse to miss that he must die but when the passion week comes they still didn't understand. One thing I've notice many times when Jesus predicts his death - the disciples just seem to get quiet - or change the subject. Why didn't some of them asks about this in more detail? Probably the same reason we don't ask questions at times - we don't want to look silly in front of others - like we don't know something - a.k.a PRIDE.

Right after predicted his death Jesus says, "follow me." The Christian life is simply about dying. So many Christians today are longing for the safe and comfortable life. Get the spouse - nice house - kids - secure job - portfolio for the future - and cruise. Jesus calls us on a very different journey. He calls us to radically give our life away. This world is not our home but so many of us have gotten so safe and comfortable here that we forget every day the mission God puts in front of us to tell others about him.

Verse 26 has been on my mind lately. The Lord is always stretching us. He will test us to see how low we will go for him. Are we so worried about what others think. Peter would show his shame when he denies Jesus. Are we ashamed to let God use us in some way. God's glory - is God's presence. A life lives without shame attracts the presence of God. God will rest on the one who unashamed - remember the Martyrs in Revelation get a special place in heaven - closer to God! We will probably never be faced with truly dying for Christ but every day we have the chance to be martyrs in a different way - will you give your comforts, safety and reputation away to follow the king?

questions

1) What has God said to you lately in your prayer life? What thoughts have come that could be from him - that align with his word? Gods thoughts are always in line with his love for us and others. They also always have a weight to them that is different than the other thoughts in our mind.

2) Who is Jesus to you? Is he a dead guy that we go and hear about on Sundays? Is he your best friend that you talk to 50 times a day and find yourself lost in thoughts of him?

3) How low will you go for Jesus? Where is he asking you to stretch yourself this week? When is the last time you had a spiritual conversation with someone?

prayer

Lord you ask much - our life. But you gave much - your life. Forgive us for thinking your way is hard. You say that your way is easy and your burden is light in Matthew 11. Teach us that to die is easier - increase our faith this day to love from your heart. Let us accept the mission you have put in front of us at work, home or school. We are on a mission with you today Lord - Lead on oh King eternal!