Reading: Luke 14:25-33
Disciple: One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another; a student or follower
Devotional: Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the demands of following Him. He calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, whether with family, relatives and even ourselves. This isn't about hating others, but rather about loving Christ above everyone else. In researching what it really means to "carry your cross", the cross was not just a symbol of pain and suffering but that of death. Because of the love of God, Jesus made a commitment to the Father to carry the sins of the world, go through pain and suffering and ultimately be put to death on the cross so that we might live.
In a act of commitment and Love for the Father, Jesus requires His disciples to also carry their crosses. But what does that mean? It doesn’t mean to carry the weight and sins of the world, but that we wholeheartedly be committed to God and carry our plans and desires and put them to death. That we stay committed to Christ through the suffering of persecution from the world. That we continue to trust that His plan is much better than ours, and no matter how difficult things seems to be, know that He is always with us.
Today, meditate on what it truly means to "carry your cross" in your daily life. Are there areas where you've been hesitant to fully commit to Christ? Remember, the cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are eternal. If you desire to be His disciple, then ask God to strengthen you to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter the cost.
Prayer: Father, today I acknowledge the high cost of being a disciple of Christ, and I ask for the courage and strength to carry my cross in my daily life. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else and to fully commit to Your call, even when it requires sacrifice. Strengthen my determination, and let my love for Christ rise above all other loves in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
*Meditate: To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; (Reference: Webster's Dictionary 1828)
This was a very beautiful message. It is my prayer God blesses us all to grow in loyalty and commitment to live fully for Him.