Embracing the Kingdom of Heaven
A Call to Surrender
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:38-39 are piercing: “Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.” He reveals a profound truth: our attempts to hold on to life will ultimately lead to loss, while surrendering to Him will bring us the life we’ve always longed for.
The Illusion of Control
When we fear that following Jesus will lead to a loss of control or comfort, we’re trapped in a flawed mindset that prioritizes temporary gains over eternal life. This thinking is misguided, as Jesus promises to lead us into the kingdom of heaven, where we’ll discover true fulfillment.
A Matter of Perspective
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 1:18, stating that the message of Christ’s cross seems foolish to those bent on destruction, but makes perfect sense to those on the path to salvation. When we dismiss Jesus’ commands as impractical, we reveal our own ignorance about the kingdom of heaven.
The Sword of God
Jesus brings peace, but also wields the sword of God, as Bonhoeffer notes. The Word of God is a powerful, piercing force that cuts through our doubts and defenses, compelling us to listen and obey. Jesus demands that we choose Him as our top priority, slicing across our loyalties and allegiances.
A Choice to Make
In the end, it’s a practical decision: will we cling to our fears and fleeting desires, or will we abandon them to follow Jesus? The choice is ours, and it’s one that will shape our eternal destiny.
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