This Sunday brings us to look at the spiritual discipline of Submission. I'll bet that when you first hear that word, you probably want to cringe. It's probably because the word strikes a negative connotation with you. You would rather be the master of your fate and determine the direction of your life. After all, you would perhaps want to be a person who wants to feel like you are in control of everything.
Consider now the words of Jesus as taken from today's Gospel Reading:
"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34
To be a follower of Jesus involves self-denial. You are making a commitment to his way of life. How do Jesus' words resonate with you? It's saying no to yourself and yes to Jesus. It is acting in obedience to the way of life he desires for you.
Then, too, elsewhere in the New Testament we have these words of the apostle Paul:
"Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21
Being subject to others? As you read further in this chapter you will see the mutual subjection that Paul describes. We do not always seek to have our own ways; we must seek what is best in whatever relationship we find ourselves.
For this Sunday's worship, I would invite you to read the Gospel Mark 8:31-38 as well as Ephesians Chapter 5. May God's blessings be upon the study of these words of Scripture and your worship this Sunday.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How much do you feel you are living in obedience to all that your Lord has commanded you to do? Where might there be room for growth?
What might change for you in this season of Lent?
Consider now the words of Jesus as taken from today's Gospel Reading:
"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34
To be a follower of Jesus involves self-denial. You are making a commitment to his way of life. How do Jesus' words resonate with you? It's saying no to yourself and yes to Jesus. It is acting in obedience to the way of life he desires for you.
Then, too, elsewhere in the New Testament we have these words of the apostle Paul:
"Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21
Being subject to others? As you read further in this chapter you will see the mutual subjection that Paul describes. We do not always seek to have our own ways; we must seek what is best in whatever relationship we find ourselves.
For this Sunday's worship, I would invite you to read the Gospel Mark 8:31-38 as well as Ephesians Chapter 5. May God's blessings be upon the study of these words of Scripture and your worship this Sunday.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How much do you feel you are living in obedience to all that your Lord has commanded you to do? Where might there be room for growth?
What might change for you in this season of Lent?
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