Jesus has a way of straight shooting right to the heart of the matter.  Whether parable or command, His words rest heavy in our minds.  

Here Jesus is explaining that to be His disciple it requires complete surrender.  He’s asking for us to divorce our flesh and all it’s desires.  In our customer-centric consumer society, we have come to believe that the world is designed to feed us our every need.  We are like the sun with an al a carte of needs orbiting for our enjoyment.  Christ must be the center, not us. 

It is impossible to keep this mentality and deny ourselves. We must throw away the old model in exchange for a new one.  What’s the new model?  It’s simple. All our needs find their complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Christ.  We don’t need 17 different flavors or sizes.  We can be completely content in Him in His perfection. 

Not only are we to deny ourselves, but we are also to follow.  Generally speaking, our world raises up leaders and looks down at followers.   The truth is we all follow someone. I’m not just talking about twitter or Facebook.  We all pattern our life after those we admire. It began when we were just infants.  We must be willing to follow Jesus at all costs.  

This kind of denial and following is likened to losing your life.  You turn over every thought, word, and action.  You were bought for the price of His body and blood.  In light of that truth, the denial and following seems like such a small offering. 

Reflection

WARNING: You may be convicted if you read on

What evidence is there in your life that you have denied yourself and followed Him?

What do you need to deny that’s currently standing in the way of total surrender?

What is keeping you back from completly following Him?

Prayer

Father, you are mighty in power and love. You have snatched us from the pit of despair and set us on the rock of Jesus Christ.  Conquer any pride that remains in us that seeks to control our surrender to You.  Let Your truth overcome our flesh, that we may plunge into the depths of faith in Your arms.  May Your name be glorified and our lives be a living sacrifice for You, in Jesus’ name, Amen!