AT CROSS PURPOSES

AT CROSS PURPOSES

Thursday, September 20, 2018

   Matthew [MKJV] 6:9-10 "This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, let your name be kept holy. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. [Mt.26:42]

   Matthew 16:21-25 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, God be gracious to You, Lord! This shall never be to You. But He turned and said to Peter, Go, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you do not savor the things that are of God, but those that are of men. Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, and whoever desires to lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mk.8:34; 10:21; Lk.9:23]

  There is a vast difference between self-denial and denial of self.  Concisely stated, the first is centered in self-interest, the latter in attitude with actions pleasing God; “Thy will be done. Thy kingdom come” not mine.

  If we live in piety to enjoy peace then it is about self-interest. If we live in piety so as to be a Biblical instrument of His peace it pleases God. Jesus summarized this. “I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me.” (Jn.5:30)  Paul addressed the issue in his letter to the Romans “I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.“ (Rom.12:1-2)

  We’re talking about motivation here. To illustrate personally: Nearly a year ago I was diagnosed a diabetic. I immediately gave up ice cream and candy. Ice cream for some unknown reason was easy. Gummy cinnamon bears (Purchased in two 7 pound bags at a time.) and green leaves (Couldn’t find in bags larger than Walgreen’s.) required a bit of effort. Will this denial give me more time and physical capability with loved ones and to serve the Lord? It should, but initially it had nothing to do with pleasing God. Later, in continuance of practice is a different tale.

  Peter is a prime example of denial for my-sake, Jesus severely rebuking him and explaining that only denying self now and eternally matters.

  What shall it be this day, for us to prove that which is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God, or shall we be other-wise?

EBB4