Thursday, September 08, 2016
What Do You Mean I Have to Go Back This Week...
He is not the first to be confused, nor will he be the last. My grandson Austin is in Kindergarten and had a good first week. His older brother was asking Mom to come have lunch with him one day and Austin answered "Of course we will."
Mom then had to explain that Austin would not be joining them since he had to go to Kindergarten.
Evidently Austin did not realize that it was not a one week event. I am not sure anyone has had the heart to tell him that this will go on for longer than he can yet imagine.
It is a little like some people think about their Christianity. It is great for week at Easter and Christmas. Or even every week if we hold it to just a couple of hours.
But following Jesus is all day, every day for the rest of our lives.
When we were baptized into Christ we were crucified with him. We gave up our old life to live a new one by faith in Jesus.
Following Jesus is not a matter of time. Or a series of acts.
Jesus said if we want to come to him then we must deny ourselves, take up the cross every day, and follow him.
Give up ourselves, die, and follow Jesus.
Every day. From now till forever.
So God forgive us when we think following you is a short-term proposition. Today and every day from now on forever we will deny ourselves, die with your Son, and follow him.
Mom then had to explain that Austin would not be joining them since he had to go to Kindergarten.
Evidently Austin did not realize that it was not a one week event. I am not sure anyone has had the heart to tell him that this will go on for longer than he can yet imagine.
It is a little like some people think about their Christianity. It is great for week at Easter and Christmas. Or even every week if we hold it to just a couple of hours.
But following Jesus is all day, every day for the rest of our lives.
When we were baptized into Christ we were crucified with him. We gave up our old life to live a new one by faith in Jesus.
Following Jesus is not a matter of time. Or a series of acts.
Jesus said if we want to come to him then we must deny ourselves, take up the cross every day, and follow him.
Give up ourselves, die, and follow Jesus.
Every day. From now till forever.
So God forgive us when we think following you is a short-term proposition. Today and every day from now on forever we will deny ourselves, die with your Son, and follow him.
