Slideshow image
Scripture for the day: Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Thought for the day: Jesus was walking along the road when a stranger, someone who had obviously heard Him teach and had seen the miracles He did, came and fell down at His feet. “Lord, I will follow you anywhere you go.”
“Really?” replied the Savior, as He read the man’s heart. “Will you follow even if it means you have no place to lay your head?”
Another came to Him with the same vow of loyalty and obedience. “I want to do as You command, but first let me go and bury my father” (remember, there is no indication in that conversation that the man’s father was, in fact, dead).
“Let the dead bury the dead,” was the reply. “If you’re not willing to follow now, you’ll find another excuse later on.”
Still another came and said, “All I want is enough time to tell my family good-bye; then I’ll be right back to follow you completely.”
“If a moment’s notice isn’t time enough for you to make the decision to follow Me in complete abandon, a life-time won’t do it. Put your hand to the plow or don’t, but make up your mind and stand by your decision.”
The Savior looked for those who would make the decision to follow and obey Him without question. He knew that kind of determination would be crucial in days to come. Let me tell you a story.
There was once a proud king who mustered his army of 20,000 and marched against a neighboring kingdom, knowing full well he possessed overwhelming superiority on the battlefield. Coming to the border between their lands, he sends his ambassador to deliver his ultimatum. “No blood need be shed today. You know how pitiful your defenses are. Lay down your arms and submit to me as your rightful sovereign or we shall advance without pity.”
The king of the outmanned nation calls one of his soldiers to his side and tells him to stab himself. The soldier immediately does so, falling dead at the feet of his king. The king gives the same command to a second warrior with the same results. In a few moments a third lies dying at the command of his sovereign.
Looking at the ambassador, the king says, “I have three thousand more such warriors; let him come.”
The king knew beyond a doubt that he could count on anyone who had such loyalty; anyone whose life meant less than obedience to the will of the king.
This is the obedience the Lord wants and deserves. From the moment we leave the comfort of our bed in the morning our prayer must be: Lord, I am willing to go where you send, do as you ask, live without what you withhold, and follow where you lead. I am willing to abide by the sentiment that says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Now go take on your world. - Bill