Have the Bravery and Commitment to Actually Follow Jesus?

In obedience to Jesus, a wounded woman moves back to the one place she swore to never return. But at what cost? http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2/still-i-will-follow

As believers, our desire is to follow Jesus. After all, living our best life is centered around following Him. But sometimes I wonder if I truly have the bravery and commitment required to follow Jesus as I should.

One of those times happened recently as I read the tenth chapter of Mark. At first glance, the chapter might seem like a series of unrelated stories. But on closer inspection, all the stories center around the brave commitment required to follow Him.

This post is a two-part devotional about the bravery and commitment needed to truly follow our Savior.

What’s required to truly #follow #Jesus? Brave commitment. #Bible examples here:
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Follow Jesus – Commitment Required

Read Mark 10:1-12. (Click on the Bible verse reference, and a new browser will open to reveal the passage.)

The Pharisees, jealous for their religious positions of power and authority, once more tried to trap Jesus.

In their question they hoped for the same outcome for Jesus that John the Baptist met for teaching on this very topic (Mark 6:14-29). John’s beheading ultimately came about because he publicly denounced Herod for marrying his brother’s wife.

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

In typical fashion, Jesus quickly landed at the real core of the issue.

Commitment.

Jesus pointed out that in a marriage, a lack of commitment (in this case, divorce) led to adultery.

But how does this connect to following Jesus? Marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God through Jesus. When we accepted Christ as Savior, we bound ourselves to Him. The day we said “Yes” to His lordship in our life was the day we joined ourselves to Him forever.

Just like in marriage, our commitment to Jesus is tested. It’s all too easy to step away from that commitment when following Him is more difficult than we expect.

If we choose to go our own way, we commit spiritual adultery.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Am I totally committed to Christ?

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Follow Jesus – Childlike Faith and Dependence

Read Mark 10:13-16.

I’m always amazed at the total dependence of children on those who care for them. But spiritually speaking, we sometimes forget we are children completely dependent upon our heavenly Father for everything–=our jobs, our health, our food, and even our every breath.

From my own personal perspective, I sadly recognize a DIY mentality in myself that creeps even into the spiritual realm. Like a two-year-old asserting independence, I say: “I can do it myself.” (And that rarely turns out well…)

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

When the disciples tried to keep children from bothering Jesus, He instead welcomed them and used the opportunity as an object lesson.

Just as children are completely dependent on their parents, to follow Jesus means to completely depend on Him with that same childlike faith.

At first the idea seems wonderful, until we remember that it also requires submitting to His authority. See how self always tries to take over?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do I totally depend on God in childlike faith?
Follow Jesus – The Cost of Commitment

Read Mark 10:13-25.

In this story we see a rich young man who appeared to want to follow Jesus when he asked,  “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Because of the Jewish upbringing in the Law, the young man’s relationship with God was all bound up in doing. This is still very much a problem today. If we’re not careful, we also fall into the trap of thinking: “What must I do?”

When Jesus answered him with the commandments which deal with our earthly relationships, the young man further revealed his lack of understanding. “I’ve kept all these since I was a boy.”

In other words, he saw himself as sinless.

The Connection With Commitment to Follow Jesus

Here’s the underlying message of this story: Anytime something in our lives takes priority over Jesus, we aren’t truly committed to Him.

The young man’s actions revealed that both his belief in his ability to earn salvation and his dependence upon money took priority over following. The typical human response to wealth is to view it as a sign of God’s favor. If we have wealth, it’s because we’ve done something to earn that favor. Right? And if that is true concerning money, it only makes sense that it also works with our salvation.

But that type of thinking totally contradicts grace. The very definition of grace is something that can’t be earned.

Can you see why Jesus taught that it’s not only hard for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God, but for all of us to enter?

Why is it so difficult? Because there’s absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s favor–either in the case of wealth or in earning eternal life. And by trying to earn it, we negate the gift of grace God offers. Praise the Lord, that our salvation is not dependent on us!!!

In all ways we are completely dependent on God and His grace.

Furthermore, anything that stands between us and following Jesus (in this story, the young man’s wealth) reveals a struggle point in our commitment.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What stands between me and God?
Following Jesus – Wrap Up

When I hear stories about the depth of persecution our brothers and sisters around the world experience on behalf of Christ, I question my ability to stand up for Him under such circumstances. While I’d like to believe I wouldn’t deny Him in the face of death, torture, or imprisonment, I can’t help but wonder if my faith, commitment, and bravery are strong enough.

How I pray that they are, not just for myself, but for all of us who have led such sheltered lives in comparison.

Next week we’ll look at the rest of Mark 10 as we give further thought to the bravery and commitment needed to truly follow Jesus.

 Blessings to all,

P.S. For this week only, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Christian romantic suspense) is on sale for just $0.99 on Amazon. It’s also free for those subscribed to Kindle Unlimited. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2fyT5Ls

Also, don’t forget to drop by to enter our monthly giveaway while you’re here. This month’s giveaway is a signed print copy of any Miller’s Creek novel or my Christmas novella…winner’s choice. Enter here: http://www.CatBryant.com/books-2

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