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Friday, August 05, 2005 Meditation Matthew 16:24-28 When we read, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it,” does it stir up fear? Or maybe denial? “He doesn’t mean lose everything literally.” That would be pretty radical, and most of us have worked hard for what we have. Houses and cars, education, jobs, or simply food on the table: Few of us get these things effortlessly; and most of us want to hang on to what we have and do and love. And yet, this is precisely what Jesus does mean. “Whoever wishes to save his life” means, whoever desires deliverance—material, this-world deliverance—from danger, suffering, sickness, and so forth, will lose it. It means that whoever lives and strives entirely for comfort, possessions, and worldly achievements will end up losing it all. Wait a minute! Isn’t it right to want those things? What’s wrong with a comfortable, prosperous, successful life? Absolutely nothing! The question Jesus’ words should raise in us is whether that’s all we’re laboring for. What is the passion of our lives? God wants so much more for us than maintaining the status quo or making a few improvements on the periphery of our lives. He knows exactly what we need and he will take care of our needs (Luke 12:22-34), thus freeing us to concern ourselves with what he wants—with living for his kingdom. How do we get there? To start, use your head. List everything you know about your Father who is asking this of you. He is all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, wise, compassionate, merciful, and forgiving. When memory runs dry, turn to Scripture to find more. Then, list what he has done too, like creating the world from nothing, delivering the Hebrews from Egypt, and raising Jesus from the dead. Then, use your heart. Spend some quiet time recalling what God has done for you personally, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a deep gratitude for all of this. Recall these powerful acts often in your day, and let them stir your heart with love. We simply cannot tell ourselves too often, “This is what God has done. This is the One for whose sake I am willing to lose my life.” “Jesus, I trust your love, your kindness, and your wisdom for me. Remind me who you are and what you have done. I want to give you my life today, that I might have eternal life with you.” Deuteronomy 4:32-40; Psalm 77:12-16,21 |