Lose

This week we begin worship with:

Mark 8:34–35

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

This is not the call to asceticism where the body is continually punished.  This is a call to sacrifice where the body is used for God’s purposes. This call was among the first things taught by Jesus.  Most of the Beatitudes talk of a future blessing, but two promise a present blessing. They are the first and the last.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

 

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Becoming a citizen of heaven is a present blessing for those that come with an empty hand when approaching God and a full hand when an enemy approaches us.  We contribute nothing to our salvation for Christ Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.  And we should sacrifice when necessary following His perfect example.

Proverbs 25:21

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

    and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, . . .

 

Proverbs 25:26

Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain

    is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

With both courage and care draw clear water for your enemy today.