Readings for today: Matthew 16, Mark 8:11-38, 9:1, Luke 9:18-27
Following Jesus requires sacrifice. It requires self-denial. It requires picking up a cross. Jesus pulls no punches in our reading today. When Peter takes up the tempter’s role and tries to convince Jesus to forgo the way of suffering laid out for Him, Jesus rightly perceives the presence of Satan behind Peter’s words. He rebukes Peter harshly just as He once rebuked Satan in the desert, just as He will rebuke him again in the Garden of Gethsemane. Satan is ever-present in Jesus’ life. Always seeking to turn Him aside from His Father’s plan. Satan knows who he’s dealing with. He’s under no illusion as to Jesus’ identity. He may not understand the full implications of the cross. He may not be able to see the resurrection. But he knows Jesus is the Son of God. He knows Jesus holds the power and authority of God. He knows Jesus is on a mission from God. And he does all he can to derail Him along the way.
Satan is ever-present in our lives as well. Always seeking to turn us aside from the Father’s plan for our lives. It’s why he tempts us constantly to choose a path without suffering. A path without pain. A path without sacrifice. Satan knows what happens when Christians take up a cross. His power is made perfect in their weakness. His Kingdom comes through their surrender. His will is done as they willingly relinquish all they are and all they have to Him. This is what Satan fears most. True believers who pursue a lifestyle of self-denial in the name of Jesus. True believers who willingly lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel. True believers who find their greatest joy in giving it all for the sake of the Kingdom.
We cannot avoid the cross-shaped life. Not if we want to follow Jesus. On the contrary, Christians understand our lives are not our own. Our possessions are not our own. Our money is not our own. Our time is not our own. Our talent and ability is not our own. Our gifts are not our own. All our achievement and success is not our own. All of these things have been given to us by God so that we might share them with those around us. All of these things have been entrusted to us by God so that we might steward them for His Kingdom purposes. And all of us will one day have to stand before the Lord and give an account of what we did with all He has given us.
Take some time today and reflect on all God has given you. Open up your schedule and prayerfully ask God how He wants you to spend your time. Are you spending daily time with Him. Are you engaging in weekly, in person worship with other believers? Are you regularly finding ways to serve your church family and community? Review your bank statement and latest update to your investment portfolio and ask God how He wants you to spend your money. Are you giving Him the firstfruits of your hard work? Are you giving at least ten percent of your income to the Lord? Are you seeking to be more generous and more sacrificial with each passing year? Sit back and ponder the gifts and talents and abilities God has given you. How are you using these gifts for God’s Kingdom purposes? How are you offering these gifts in service to God? As you spend time in prayer, make sure to take every thought captive to Christ through His Word. Satan will do all he can to derail this process. He will do all he can to disrupt and distract you along the way. He wants you as far away from the cross as possible. Rebuke him and instead cling to Jesus.
Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 17-18, Mark 9:2-50, Luke 9:28-56