Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:10a "And especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority."
Day 191 – Mark 8
“And especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.” 2 Peter 2:10a
DENIAL OF SELF
This was a principle that Jesus practised consistently in His life. That was well evidenced in so many different ways. Four may be noted:-
1. Giving up sleep to seek God in prayer early in the morning (Cf. Mark 1:35).
2. There were days when there was hardly time for food (Cf. Mark 3:20).
3. A hard day’s work ended with time spent in further prayer efforts (Cf. Mark 6:46).
4. A circuit of busy itinerant preaching was kept (Cf.Mark 6:6).
5. The prospect of suffering was now added (Cf. Mark 8:31).
TAKING UP THE CROSS
The concept associated with the “cross” would not be lost on the people and the Disciples. It is not unlikely that all had seen how the Romans crucified criminals. It was a sight never to be forgotten!
Imagine the challenge that Jesus must have issued to all who would follow Him. They must be prepared to take up their cross if they were genuine in their expression of faith in Him.
A PROFOUND PARADOX
What lay behind this challenge of self-denial and cross bearing? Jesus went on to encourage His hearers with these words.
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s
will save it.”
MARK 8:35
1. Saving one’s life but losing it
What a paradox! In being afraid of suffering, one may appear to have saved his life. In fact, he has lost it.
2. Losing one’s life and saving it
a) Losing one’s life for the sake of Jesus.
b) Losing one’s life for the sake of the Gospel.
For the sake of Jesus and the Gospel, one must be prepared to stake his life on it. Faith of this kind confirms it as genuine and would be well honoured.