Scripture to Read: Luke 9:23–27
Peter had just proclaimed that Jesus was the one true Messiah sent by God the Father. Then, Jesus made it clear what it would cost to follow Him as Lord, as God had Luke record in Luke 9:23–27, “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.’” To follow Jesus means we have to choose to die to ourselves, our fleshly desires, our lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16). Following Jesus means gaining all that God has for all of His children and knowing we will one day live eternally with Him. But that also means laying aside all the things this world tempts us to chase after. Nothing this world has to offer us will last. It’s all temporary, it’s like fool’s gold. It’s shiny and seems valuable, but it will all perish.
Challenge & Application
What are you pursuing and chasing after each day, and why?
What would it look like for you to pursue and chase after your intimacy with our Lord, His Word, and His will each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!