Daily Devotion, July 5, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 4:18-22.

Following Jesus Christ is costly. His ways go against the ways of the world. I am reminded of God speaking through the prophet Isaiah with these words: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways…’” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Jesus’ ways so conflicted with the world that the world rejected him. So it is costly to follow him and try to be like him.

That cost will show up in many different ways and forms. For these four fishermen in our text today, it came in the form of calling them away from their livelihood. They gave up what they knew best. They gave up what supported them and their families. They made a major sacrifice because they so radically believed in what Jesus was about.

 

Sacrifices you are called to make may be different, but no less costly at times. You may be called to relinquish long-held beliefs or ways of relating to other people. You may be called to associate with people you thought you would never be around. You may lose family or friends because they don’t want to love the enemies Christ calls you to love. 

 

But anytime we think about what we may have sacrificed because of our allegiance to Jesus Christ, we need to also consider what we have gained. Through Christ, God has given us the salvation of our souls, forgiveness for our sins and the assurance of God’s presence with us in all of life. We have been given the opportunity to experience life at its best!  That opportunity, that gift, cost God deeply. It cost Jesus deeply. But that’s what love does. And that’s who God is.

Personal Worship Option:

Our story of salvation is told in a hymn by Charles Wesley (brother of the founder of the Methodist movement) in 1739. Here is the first verse:

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!

Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?