Friends,
For many reasons, Jesus enjoyed great popularity at various times of earthly ministry. Those reasons are similar to what we see today. People are predictably attracted to sensational events, like healings and feedings and powerful speeches. But, unlike today's "leaders" ... and I use that term very loosely ... Christ was not interested in large crowds and adoring throngs:
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:25-26 [NKJV]
Great multitudes followed Him. No doubt they had heard of the miracles the Lord had performed. But the act of following Jesus does not make one a Follower of Jesus.
It is time to examine your life. We must do so daily. We must daily find those elements in our heart that rebel against God and execute them. (This is what Jesus means by hating one's "own life".) For if we preserve them, then we are willfully disobeying Jesus. And to follow Jesus, we must obey Jesus.
Are you a follower of Jesus?
Look at your life, today. Be sure that your thoughts, your words and your actions are in obedience to Jesus. Let there be no doubt.
Be encouraged, Jose
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