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Theme: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD
Text: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24.
Comment: Jesus Christ severally told us to follow him with our own crosses. This refers to the self-denial we must show and without which we cannot live up to expectation in the Lord. To attain excellence in the work of God requires a lot of sacrifice. Under no circumstance must we allow human or worldly considerations to override the demands of Jesus Christ. If the wishes of parents or wife or relatives or whoever it may be, are in conflict with the requirements of Jesus Christ, we must at all times hold to the one of God – even if this would offend parents and so on. (Matthew 10: 37.38; Luke 14: 25.27) We must do away with the lusts of the flesh and make serious efforts to live a quiet and sober life, and above all, a life of holiness. St. Paul stated that “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts”. – Galatians 5:24.
In the case of Moses, the Bible says, he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward”. (Hebrews 11:25, 26) Scripture says, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:6.