Church News

Friday, March 14, 2014

Devotion - Day 10



34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?(Mark 8:34-36)


Thought:  Jesus was talking to both the gathered crowd and his disciples when he invited them to “take up your cross, and follow me.” To pick up the cross and carry it was a burden, not something somebody would chose to do unless they were totally committed. The disciples gave up their lives as they knew them to follow Jesus.


If you are a follower of Jesus today, do you ever experience misunderstandings, apprehension, or even danger as you walk with Him? There was a time when freedom of religion meant you didn’t have to worry about expressing your faith or telling someone you were a Christian. However, today, freedom of religion means different things to different people. In many countries around the world, being a follower of Christ is very risky. It means not knowing if today will be your last. However, this does not stop the amazing men and women who go around the world sharing the message of Christ. Like the disciples, they risk their lives every day to bring as many people to Christ as possible. Persecution has not defeated them, but ignited their faith. It is through prayer and fasting that they receive the courage and strength to continue their ministry.


Imagine living in a place where it’s illegal to proclaim the gospel, or own and study the Bible. A place where being a follower of Christ could literally cost you your life. For millions of followers of Christ, this is an everyday reality. For many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, the cost of discipleship is more than most of us can fathom. Many of these Christians worship in secret places, so that authorities and radicals don’t find out. However, they are not hidden from God! Christians are verbally harassed and threatened, subject to discrimination in education and employment, and encounter beatings, imprisonment, and even death in cultures and countries that seek to stop followers of Jesus Christ from proclaiming His gospel and glory. Despite the many obstacles they face persecuted Christians are growing and thriving in their faith, and spreading the gospel message.


Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)


There is something about hardship that allows us to know God deeply. When times get really tough, we discover more about who God is and how He works. Christians who have endured persecution for their faith, know this well. There are no easy answers for why God allows his followers to face suffering. However, the lives of persecuted Christians reveal that even when things look out of control believers can rest secure, knowing that God is still in control. He is able to give courage, peace and even joy to stand strong through the storm. It is through these storms that believers discover God’s love in new and powerful ways.


In America, it is hard to believe that there are countries that restrict religious beliefs and practices. It’s easy for believers to take for granted the rights they so regularly enjoy—from owning and reading the Bible, praying and worshiping in public, and attending Sunday worship services. However, even America is not immune to this persecution. We often face opposition just for calling ourselves Christians.


Persecuted Christians all over the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ, need our prayers and our support. They often feel isolated and alone, since they are unable to fellowship with other believers. Prayer is vital—not only as a direct line to God, but as a way to encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.


Prayer: Jesus, help me understand in new ways what you meant by “take up the cross, and follow me.” Amen.


Questions:

1.      In what way does being Christ’s disciple cost you something?

2.      List, and pray for Christians you know who are carrying a burdensome cross.

3.      What are some of the things that we can learn from their faith?