Kingdom Priorities

Day 14- Kingdom Priorities

MRK 8:34-36 ASV

And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall save it. For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?

Timeless words indeed, and words that we need to reminded of in these days when wealth, position, power and prestige are taking centre stage in our lives today. We have allowed the world's vision to cloud our sight of eternity, and we seem to be settling down for the ephemeral, temporary and earthly, rather than the permanent and eternal. It is instructive to note that these words spoken by Jesus were directed to both his disciples and the multitude following him. In our contemporary world today, who would have a large crowd following him and hanging on his every word, and would not be tempted to say convenient, comfortable words that would suit the crowd? Who likes to walk alone?

Today's extract however shows that following Jesus is not a corporate or joint decision. A married couple cannot take a joint mortgage on eternity, neither can they include eternity in their last will and testament as an inheritance for their children. Each of us must work out his/her salvation with fear and trembling, relying on the grace that God has made available for everyone. His words say: IF ANYONE- it is open to anyone who is willing to come to God on the terms He has laid down, and accept the free gift He has already paid for with His life. He's not asking for money or payment, he's just asking me to forget the world and its temporary allure and follow Him wholeheartedly.

The process involves a decision to follow, then a decision to leave the past behind and move into a new phase with God. You have to deny yourself, and the desires of the sinful self, take up the cross in all your daily living, and follow Jesus in His steps. These call for a deep knowledge of what is expected of you as you follow Jesus and you can only know how to follow when you read the guidebook- the Bible and listen to the leader as he speaks and leads.

In the end, the world as we see it now will be burned with unquenchable fire. Nothing will remain and nothing will be spared. The only things that will endure are the eternal things. Make those your pursuits. Why invest so much in the earthly and temporary, without a single thought for the heavenly and the eternal? May we be relevant on earth while also worthy of heaven. His time of favour is here.

PRAYER- Lord, help me fix my gaze on you. The world has distractions and cannot guarantee eternity. Help me to fix my gaze steadily on you alone so that at the end of my earthly life, I will be worthy of eternal reign with you. Amen.