Scripture Union Daily Guide 31st January 2021 Sunday Message
TOPIC: The Cost of Discipleship
Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.
Scripture: Matthew 8:14-22
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 31st January 2021 Message:
Jesus is ever compassionate. He takes up our sorrows and brings joy into our lives as we see in the first section of our readings today. He heals our infirmity and delivers those who are demon possessed. The action of Peter’s mother-in-law is a good example to follow. Jesus demands our service to help advance His Kingdom. Perhaps the Teacher of the Religious Law did not really count the cost of following Jesus (cf: Matthew 19:27). Was he prepared to leave his family, house and other material things behind to follow Jesus?
Jesus’ reply to the man in vs. 21-22 was not comforting at all. The man’s request seems reasonable. Why then did Jesus not allow this man the necessary time off for the burial ceremony? Why did he place much priority on the father’s burial as against following Jesus? There are two possible reasons.
First, is the man’s father already dead? Is his culture like ours where after the death of a father or any relative, friends and loved ones would come around to mourn with him? It could also be that this man is waiting for his aged father to die, and then, after burying him he would have time for Jesus! What are you holding on to that is preventing you from following Jesus with all your heart? Jesus Christ must be our priority!
Practice/Word Application
• For reflection: What does v.22 mean in your life today?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, may nothing hinder me from following you today and all my life. • Pray for interdenominational Christian fellowships operating in our campuses – IVF, SUCF, NIFES, FCS and such others – to blossom and be instruments of unity in the body of Christ.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Isa. 26-27; Mark 6:30-56
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Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.