Abide, Deny, Trust - part 3 - Denying self

This series is a recap of from what I've been learning through recent ongoing storms:

1.    Abide in Jesus

2.    Deny myself: to follow Jesus and lay aside everything identified with myself

3.    Trust Abba

Denying self is not pleasant, but it’s critical as a Jesus follower.

In all of the gospel accounts, we find Jesus explaining in clear terms what would happen to him, when Peter starts scolding him. I’m sure any of us would do the same, in his situation. After all, teachers and students of the Text believed that when their Messiah appeared, He would overthrow the current Roman regime and rule the world. What Jesus was saying just didn’t make any sense, as God had bigger plans which weren’t yet understood.

Jesus’ response: “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

Next, Jesus turns his attention to the crowd, stating:

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?...

Mark 8:34-37, NASB and Message

This message wasn’t proclaimed only to his closest disciples, but to all who want to follow Jesus. What does this even mean?

Suffering… in that culture, taking up your cross meant embarrassment, suffering, shame, submission to ruling authorities and God’s calling on your life. It does in this culture, too, for many of us. I think it was Deitrich Bonhoeffer who explained that our callings look different, as God's not in the cookie-cutter business. One might be called to leave the ministry to be in the world (as Martin Luther was), or one might be called to leave the world and enter ministry. Some are given a happy platform to proclaim Jesus; others are called to martyrdom.

Submission to whatever Jesus is leading us in... Abba might call you to follow Jesus into the opposite of what you expect. Sometimes Jesus told followers to stay put (Remember the demon-possessed man, after Legion demons were sent into the pigs who drowned?). Sometimes, he sent them out (as he did the 72, Paul, and so many more).

Denying oneself is choosing to reject your own desires, to submit to Jesus, to obey Abba. He's extremely clear when He’s telling us to take another step in our faith journey. In those times when we are confused or conflicted, we wait… We stay where we are, holding fast to what we’ve already learned. If in doubt, keep on loving where you are. 

Abba, thank you so much for including us in your family, for teaching us what it means to follow Jesus, and for giving us clear directions at just the right time. Help us be content in Jesus, knowing that He is our everything, our focus, our salvation. Our roles are not what define us. JESUS defines us. In his name, with great thanks and praise…