Mission Not Impossible

Devotion by: David Whelan

Luke 9:22-25

‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’
Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?

The theme of these verses is that Jesus was subject to death and suffering, but the Father raises all who are faithful. Is this challenge to each of us at Christ the King a Mission Impossible, or truly a Mission Not Impossible?

As my family is still in the midst of packing away all of the Christmas decorations, it seems slightly strange to think about writing a Lenten Devotional this early in the year. But maybe, just maybe, this is the perfect time to be doing it. We each have made personal commitments or resolutions for the coming year, presumably to improve our personal, physical and/or spiritual well-being. How many of us have made the resolution to be more faithful to God? How many of us have committed to increase our time, talents and treasures to Christ the King and to those in our community less fortunate than ourselves? In the 9th chapter of Luke, Jesus continues to talk to his disciples by saying “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Has anyone made that resolution for the coming year? As we all move forward into this Lenten season, yet still very early in our calendar year, I contend that this is a very realistic Mission NOT Impossible for today, and years to come.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, you sacrificed your only Son so that each of us can live a life full of many blessings. We thank you for our families, our friends and our church. Please continue to encourage each of us to follow in your footsteps and to take up your cross daily. With your strength and guidance, we believe that this mission is not impossible. AMEN.