DYING TO ONESELF

Matthew 16:24

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

The doctor would come and check on Mama. He would instruct the nurse to do something – give her this medicine, do this test, take her blood pressure. He would then turn to us and advise us on what is needed and things that needs to be done. Since, he is the most knowledgeable person around about Mama’s illness, all we can do is “take the prescription and follow his instructions”. For we believe that in doing so, Mama would get well.

If we believe that people like doctors could make our lives better, or even make us alive again after those lingering illnesses, why can’t we show that same belief in trust in the Lord? This is simply mind-boggling. Our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us. But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.

Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it. God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering. For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. We know that You grieved when He was crucified and that You grieve over all the atrocities done by men -- especially in Your name. Lift up our hearts to you and fill us with your peace. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away.

Amen +

Learn then that I, I alone, am God, and there is no god besides me.