March 1, 2014 (Numbers 28-29; Mark 8)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Mark 8:36-37 NLT
Observation: Mark’s original audience, the Romans, knew what “taking up the cross” meant. Death on a cross was a form of execution used by Rome for dangerous criminals. A prisoner was forced to carry his own cross to the place of execution, signifying submission to Rome’s power. Jesus used the image of carrying a cross to illustrate the ultimate submission required of His followers. Jesus is not against pleasure, nor did He say we should seek pain needlessly. He is however openly teaching all of us of the heroic effort that is needed to be His follower. Jesus wants us to choose to follow Him rather than to lead a life of sin and self-satisfaction. His example of willing submission was a demonstration of what is required from us. We must willingly submit to His power, just as He willingly submitted to death on a cross.
Application: When we have properly submitted to Christ’s authority our goals and motivations change. Our outlook on life becomes more about His will and our actions reflect a surrendered and submitted attitude. Spending all of our time seeking pleasure no longer makes sense to the submitted follower of Christ. Worldliness that is centered on possessions, position, or power, is ultimately worthless. The born again, surrendered, and submitted follower of Christ understands the value of their soul. Nothing is worth more. True followers of Christ have their eyes fixed on Him and are submissive to His plans and desires no matter how uncomfortable the situation may become. They prove they believe and trust in Him by how they live. Their soul is secure because they have rightly submitted to Christ as Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Dear Lord, many people are being led astray by a false doctrine that suggest nothing is required from us for our soul to be secure in You. Yet Jesus plainly teaches us the truth. We must submit and surrender to You, just as He surrendered to the death on a cross. Help us Lord! Stop the mouths of those that are distorting the truth of real salvation. Open up the blinded eyes of a culture that has forsaken You! Save us from ourselves and rescue those that are being led astray, in Jesus name, Amen!