(Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
We just celebrated Holy Week remembering what a difference that week has made in the lives of every person on this earth. The cross Crowned Jesus with glory. The cross Reconciled us to God. The cross Overcame the world. On the cross He Shed His blood for our sins. The work done at the cross Saved us from God’s wrath.
We want to reap rewards of things in life without paying the cost. We want the benefits but do not want to pay the price. The most ultimate great sacrifice was made at the cross so we might have eternal life.
You can only get the crown of life if you’re willing to go to the cross. When you follow Jesus – listen very carefully – your life is not your own. Mark 8:34 says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
You can’t follow Jesus on your terms. You must follow Him on His terms. And that road always leads to a cross. When you walk with Jesus closely, you will suffer. There will be difficulty. But there will also be rewards and joy. There’s a reason so many people with success and financial gain feel empty. They traded purpose for comfort. Mark 8:36 says, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
“Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Me.” That’s not a slogan. That’s the way of life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” When He said, “I am the way,” that means His way is through the cross. So, to follow Him is denying ourselves and taking up our cross. Mark 8:35 says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Did you know there are heavenly crowns promised to us if we will follow Jesus? The first one is the Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25) for living a disciplined Christian life without compromise. The second one is the Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) for those who wait longingly for His coming. The third one is the Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4) for being faithful in the ministry God has given you. (Yes, we all have been given abilities and talents to use for the glory of God.) The fourth one is the Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19) for winning souls for Christ. The fifth one is the Crown of Life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) for those who persevere under trials, for those who love Him.
Are you ready to really follow Jesus? In 2 Corinthians 5:7, you must have faith and believe in God and His promises. In Matthew 22:37, you must love others, having selfless care and compassion. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we must pray, communicating with God every day. God’s grace for us is unearned favor and kindness. We must be willing and obedient to following God’s commands. John 15:13 tells us we must sacrifice in giving up something for God and even others. We must learn to be patient on our daily walk. The Bible says we are to run this race with patience. Walking calmly and enduring difficulty according to Galatians 5:22. Trusting and relying on Gods’ wisdom every day, following and learning from Jesus, honoring and adoring God by living in the truth and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Understanding and applying God’s truth every day. When we take up our cross and begin to truly follow Him, we will find an inner calm through Gods’ presence with a deep lasting happiness in God that will be a joy that is unspeakable and truly full of glory. Then you will begin to share the good news of Jesus and helping others selflessly which is our calling,
You have crowns waiting for you!! Jesus is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. One day you will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Not, “well done,” bishop, deacon, pastor, influencer, missionary, teacher, youth pastor, singer, prophet, evangelist, minister, worship leader, praise dancer, elder, chaplain, apostle priest, etc.
But “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God has called us all to do many things, and we carry different titles. We must first and foremost be a faithful servant following Jesus all the way. Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
