Get the appGracious Jesus 8 - the King CommissionsSample
Lose life to find it
Today, everyone is seeking a higher and better quality of living. The “beautiful, wrinkle-free life” is an American dream. Jesus tells us how to seek and find true life that encompasses and surpasses all other forms of life the world has to offer. At the same time, He indicates that attaining this is not going to be easy.
Before Peace, there is a Sword
The much-anticipated Messiah was to rule, bring peace, overthrow kings and their oppressive reigns, andmake the world a better place. He is the Prince of Peace. However, just as He had to face immense humiliation, suffering, and death to achieve this, He tells His disciples that we, too, may need to face opposition. However, in doing so, we are paving the path of life for others. It also enables us to live “life to the full,” both in this world and the next. We have a purpose and an unparalleled sense of joy in fulfilling it.
Before Unity, there is Division
Even the closest family ties will blow up on this one issue of alignment with Christ.
Our love for Christ should surpass love for everyone else in our lives. Only then we are worthy disciples. Loving Christ above all is not a condition but a result of our following Him. Only the Holy Spirit can give us this kind of love.
Before the Crown, there is a Cross
We are promised great things in the future, but in this life, every day is a day that should be lived for Christ. Every task we undertake should be done for the glory of God.
Before Life, there is Death
Matt 10:39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
And what a life it is! Worth more than all the sorrows or joys in the world put together.
Once we sacrifice the worldly, materialistic aspects in our lives that do not give Him glory, we empty ourselves to be able to enjoy “life to the full.” Even excess of a good thing can be bad.
As the martyr Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Christ is not telling us to impose self-denial but rather allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and work from within. This is what “finding our life” is all about.
How can we lose our lives daily? What benefits do we gain in this world?
About this Plan
Many are called, few are commissioned. Jesus gives his followers a taste of going out to preach, teach, and heal. Going in faith, they experience amazing powers that Christ endowed them. Christ also appraises them of the discipline and sacrifice involved, with far greater rewards for service. While service is highly monetized these days, there are still the few serving in tune with their Master in Heaven. Perhaps little-known today but famous in Heaven.
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