Pray for JapanSample

We are called to follow Jesus, no matter how great the price. For most of us, that might mean we feel a little uncomfortable, or become a little unpopular when we share Christ with friends who are not believers. For others, it might mean torture, death, or destruction of material belongings. Have you ever thought about the conversation between Jesus and Peter, after he had denied his master? “Do you love me?” asked Jesus, and Peter replied positively. And then Jesus says, “Feed my sheep." And then Peter hears “Surely, surely I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to Peter so that he would understand that he was to suffer a martyr`s death for Jesus' sake. Those are scary words. And then Jesus said, “Follow me.”

In the West, we do not hear much teaching about what it costs to follow Jesus. We would rather hear about the blessings that follow those who believe. When we read in the Bible about Christ's call to discipleship, we do not see many promises of blessing. There were warnings about the cost of following. The Master told his disciples it would cost them everything. They had to put aside their own agendas and move away from their old lifestyles. But they would be blessed in a whole new way by living close to Jesus, seeing and experiencing what he did. They would be taught by him. So some chose not to follow, and others said “yes.”

There are many Christians who have gone before us who suffered big losses because they chose to follow Jesus. Let us pray for those who suffer. Let us become dedicated followers of Jesus. Pray with us for Nagasaki City in Japan.