February 25, 2024 

Today's Reading: Mark 8:27-38 

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 16:1-9, 15-17:22; Mark 6:1-13

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In 1989, the band Queen wrote a song that defined the world in which we live. The chorus goes as such, “I want it all, I want it now.” The message is clear, life is about the pursuit of wants and desires, scratching and clawing until you get what you want. So much of our lives center around personal success, achievement, and goals. Just go to the bookstore, and there are far more books set on self-improvement than self-sacrifice. It’s in this world the Christian strives to be faithful to the call of Christ, yet it is challenging because Christ calls us to something radically different. Queen’s creed may be “I want it all, and I want it now,” but Christ calls you to a different way, a way where your wants and desires take a back seat to the needs of others. Instead, Jesus calls you to deny yourself, and follow him. 

It's an unpopular topic, self-denial, in a world which revolves around instant gratification. It’s difficult to reject your own desires no matter how destructive they might be. Yet, Jesus calls us to a better way, He calls you to deny your sinful desires. And I don’t need to tell you which ones those are, you know them. And it might seem heavy, difficult, and demanding. But this is life and death. “What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” (Mark 8:35) Plus, as you follow Jesus carrying your cross, be reminded that His yoke is easy, and His burden light. We follow a Savior who has gone before us in suffering, who has brought purpose to suffering, and has sanctified suffering. Therefore, your suffering is not in vain, but instead it finds fulfillment in Jesus. 

So do not follow the ways of the world that cry to you, do not appease the world which asks, “what do you want, and when do you want it?” Sure, you could take it, you could burden yourself with the never-ending grind for wanting more and wanting it now. Or you could follow Jesus. You could reject the way of this world and embrace your cross of self-denial. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find it lighter than you expected. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

- Pastor Caleb Weight is associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.