Nougat 11

Hello

Blessed Saturday to you

Here’s today’s Holy Nougat

“And he left all, rose up, and followed him.” Luke 5:28 KJV

Those disciples were outta this world eh. There they were, just caught the best load of fish ever, and in their elation, walked away from the trade to follow Jesus – for free! Can you imagine what wives/parents might have said then?! Have you ever had been on the receiving end of such news or done that for God?

That’s partly what ‘taking up your cross’ entails. It is a call to deny ourselves the fanciest – studies, jobs, dreams, etc., for the cause of the Gospel. It’s about facing those things which cannot take away Christ’s love – tribulations, tragedy, poverty, shame, trials, persecution, future plans, starvation – and determining that they won’t affect our love for Christ either.

For love is a bit one dimensional in its outworking: one party loves REGARDLESS of the other’s response, sometimes to the love initiator’s detriment. For far too often, when that love is NOT returned in the right way or for the right reasons – Lord ha mercy!!! And that is often the case with us when the going gets rough. We start doubting God’s love for us, and occasionally go searching for an alternate Lover, not realizing God has NO substitute in the love-for-us department.

On the other hand, a love relationship is three dimensional: God’s love transcends ALL (especially in those rough moments); we accept God’s love and it translates into our lifestyle. And it’s when we have established a love relationship with Jesus that we’re able to deny ourselves and take up the cross or to walk away from the ‘stuff’ to follow Christ come what may. And I tell you, it’s the most scary, beautiful, fulfilling, liberating experience in our lives. But it certainly is worth every moment from start to the day we receive our eternal reward in glory!

So, whadyu say – ready to step away from the boat? (Or have you done so recently)?

In Christ’s love & grace love