Jesus is having one of those talks with his guys about who he really is. Peter nails it, saying he is “the Christ of God.” Jesus tells them not to tell anyone because there are some important, awful things that have to happen first.
He says he’s going to suffer many things, and be rejected and then killed. And it’s going to be done by the people in authority. They had the power to do it, or to influence it being done, and they were going to make sure it happened.
And then he says to all of them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” It’s a pretty famous saying, in Luke 9.23.
Sometimes people act like the denying self and cross taking-up apply to offenses and inconveniences we have to live with, like putting up with the shortcomings of other people. The “cross to bear” thing.
But Jesus explained that denying yourself and taking up your cross is deeper and meaner than that. It’s suffering – in your spirit, soul and body. It’s rejection – the worst kind; when you deserve credit and glory, and from those who should know better. It’s death – the finish and end of all hope. And it’s new life – but not until after all the other and you’re dead.
That’s where he was going. And if you would come after him, that’s where you’re going, too – into suffering, rejection, death (or if you don’t actually die, what feels like death) and after all that you go into a new thing.
That’s where you’re going if you follow him.
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If we won’t cooperate with God putting himself on display thru authority the way it’s supposed to work, with hardly a seam between authority and submission…
If instead there’s harshness, resentment, grumbling, jealousy, trying to win, maneuvering to get the other role…
If that’s the case, then maybe he’ll put himself on display thru how we handle it when authority blows it, and we end up suffering and rejected and feeling dead.
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very soul?” – Luke 9.24-25
The whole earth is filled with his glory. And the whole earth is filled with authorities.
If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. – 1 Peter 2.20-23
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More of The God Show. This finishes the authority channel. The previous post is HERE. You can find out more HERE. The marriage channel is next.
The God Show is five channels (in addition to the Bible) that don't change over time or according to culture, where God's ways, invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature are clearly perceived but often missed: 1. Nature, 2. Authority, 3. Marriage, 4. Family, 5. You. Really, he's all over the place.
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