Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Short-Listing, Long-Term Gains

Prepare: I will follow Jesus and wait for my reward in heaven.
Read: Luke 6:12-26

I was standing in line at school for selections to the National Cadet Corps. The selection officer came to me, took a quick look and saying no, passed down the line. I still do not know what the selection criteria were.

We see three sets of people: 1.Those that came to hear, be healed and delivered. 2. Those who were his disciples. 3. Those who were appointed as apostles. Most people from the first group left after their needs were met, while some followed Jesus to be His disciples. Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before short-listing from His disciples, the final twelve who would be the apostles. People who had spent most of their time with Him made it to the final list. Which set would we fit in? Does our relationship with Jesus end with our needs being met?

Instant gratification is more palpable, sought after and available today than ever. Jesus' words in verses 20-26 compare to the narrative in Matthew 5. He is addressing the beatitudes to the ones who are in most need of them: the poor, the hungry and the sorrowful people who are the recipients of God's consolation. If you seek and gain comforts, public attention and acclamation in this world, then you already have received what you desire. The reward for the persecuted will be great in heaven.

Respond: I will strive to spend more time with God than on my worldly desires. 

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