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?
