9-12-2016

Good Morning All!! 

   Matthew 10:38; “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

          We see it more and more.  Just about any business has it.  All the celebrities have it.  Even those have blogs or write op-ed pieces seem to have it.   They all want you to follow them.  We follow on Facebook, on Twitter, on Pinterest or something called g+1.  “Follow us!!”  This is usually to get you to buy more from their store or go to their movies or buy whatever they are selling.  The more followers they have; the more successful they are.  “Just follow us on Facebook!”  It is so easy.  All we do is click a button and just like that we are followers.

    Jesus started his ministry by calling his disciples.  He told them to “follow me.”  Then he told others this but some of them chose not to follow.  This might have been because of indifference or a failure to truly hear what Jesus was saying or it could have been that their sinfulness was so deeply entrenched that their hearts were just too hard to listen.  Yet Jesus called them, just like he called his disciples and just like he calls you and me.

    It is always kind of interesting when we read where Jesus tells us that he brings division or he brings a sword.  We always think of Jesus as a peaceful and uniting person but the opposite is very true.  Some people hear his call and some people don’t.  Often those who don’t hear the call are angry at those who do.  They will deride attack and belittle those who believe.  Now if that someone is a person you barely know, you can handle it.  Yet what happens if it is your spouse or your child, a sibling or your best friend?  That can be more painful.  This is where the division can really be hard; it can be a great cross to bear.

    So how do we handle this?  It can be really hard.  First, you keep praying.  Secondly, you don’t argue.  Even if they belittle and attack you, you turn the other cheek.  It really isn’t easy, is it?  You keep showing them the love that God has shown you; but do not give up!  It may be a long and burdensome task but it is worth it.  You keep following Jesus because that is the only way you will ever have peace.

    Remember that Jesus is always with you.  The battle seems hard because the devil keeps trying to lead you astray.  Keep holding onto God’s grace.  Remember his ways are far above our ways.  We keep trusting in Jesus and his promises.  Jesus lived, died, rose again and ascended into heaven for you; he is not going to stop now.  So we continue forward, often bearing a cross that seems too heavy.  Yet when we focus on Jesus and the salvation that awaits us, the burden will be lighter.

Heavenly Father, in your wondrous mercy we have life.  Yet there are times when the burden seems great and we struggle under the weight.  Keep us mindful that the burden is only heavy when we assume the weight rather than trusting in your grace to lead us safely home. Be with the families where there is conflict.  Heal their wounds and renew their love for one another.  In the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior, amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret