JESUS IS WORTH IT!

A young British student, listened intently to my message during a week-end retreat with Christians at Cambridge University. He didn't waste a minute to approach me afterwards to ask, "If I decide to follow Christ, will he ask me to give up everything. I'm about to receive an inheritance that will make me wealthy. What will it cost me to follow Jesus?"  I said, "You know the better question to ask, "Whatever it costs, do you think Jesus Christ is worth it! Why don't you pray about that?" He said he would and went to join his friends. The next morning, he met me, his face shining with joy, "You know what?" he said, "I prayed and Jesus Christ is worth it!"

Self- denial is not a very popular word in our permissive, self-indulgent culture. However, it is part of discipleship and related to Jesus' demand for those who follow Him to deny themselves.  

Ask those who have run this race of faith. They encourage us to strip down, start running and never quit. Distractions ruin your focus and slow you down.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. See the joy on his face. He is looking ahead. What does He see? He sees the cross, but He see beyond that. He sees resurrection. He sees the Holy Spirit coming. He sees the birth of the Church on the Day of Pentecost.

You can share His joy: Yes, as you look ahead you may see distressing signs of the times, but there are also the blessings of the last days. Whatever He asks you to lay aside in order to finish the race, you know Jesus is worth it. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I would rather have you than anything else in this world. I look ahead and I see you. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps me running the race. Fill me with the power from on high, for heaven is my destination. Thank you Jesus. Amen