Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Sunday October 22, 2023 TOPIC: COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

 

BIBLE READING:

MATTHEW 10:34-39

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.  

KEY VERSE:

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39  

MEDITATION:

Today’s bible reading at first glance appears to be out of tune with Jesus’ character, the one we know and love; the Prince of Peace and the one that teaches us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. So these words can be unsettling!  

However, upon a closer examination, these words become absolutely timely and appropriate as Jesus prepared to send His disciples to the mission field where they would face daunting, and in some cases life threatening challenges. Jesus had to warn them of the costs of being associated with Him and His mission.  

Jesus knew and clearly stated that the cost of discipleship would be very great and grave, and that all who follow Him would naturally be scared at the prospect of facing tough times and stiff oppositions without His direct physical presence and strength at their disposal. So Jesus offered these words of comfort and explained to His disciples that they need not fear those who might react violently to the gospel message because even though they might destroy the body, they could never destroy the soul. Even within the family - a son might react aggressively against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law on account the Gospel, Jesus assures believers that they would never be consumed eternally.  

How far are you willing to suffer for Jesus?  

PRAYER:

Oh, Lord grant onto me the enabling grace to bear the cost of discipleship.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

ISAIAH 61-64, 1 THESSAOLONIANS 3-4