APRIL 24, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

APRIL 24 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: JOHN 16

It was Jesus who said that in this world we would have trials and tribulations (John 16:33). He told His disciples that He was sending them out as, "sheep among the wolves" (Matthew 10:16). He warned that just as the world hated and rejected Him, they would do the same to His followers. Then He said if we would be His followers we would have to, "deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him" (Matthew 16:24). The Lord knew that for His followers there would be many trials. In 1 Peter 4, we are told to, "think it not strange,” concerning these trials, for there is a certainty that they would be there.

To follow Jesus means to deny ourselves. We need to understand that it is not about us, but about Him. We exist as His followers to glorify Him. The biblical Christian faith is not the health, wealth and prosperity teaching so prevalent today...where following Jesus cost us nothing but gets us everything. Following Jesus requires we take up our cross. We cannot be ashamed of the cross of Christ because our whole life and existence is identified in that cross. This cross speaks of the troubles we will have because we are followers of Christ. To really follow Christ costs, there will be trials, tribulations, even persecution. But there is no alternative in this life or in eternity other than to be a follower of Jesus.

Please share your thoughts.