Tag Archives: holiness

March 21
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“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27, NIV)

A disciple is a follower. A disciple aspires to be exactly like his or her teacher.  As Jesus is Truth, we must be scrupulously truthful — and everything else He is, including a cross-bearer. Anything less is not true discipleship.  Anything else is not obedience.

A disciple is holy.  The disciple’s holiness is measured in the points of similarity to his or her teacher; and in the degree of difference from the “common way” in his or her way of thinking (e. g. love for enemies, blessings for curses, concern for the poor, readiness to reconcile, etc. . .).

Today’s scripture takes us to the bedrock of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus: Holiness, obedience, and cross-bearing.  – Luther

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December 20
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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

One of my favorite definitions of a cynic was offered by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), who said: “These days man knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, some people see only a historical fact; when it is an “all in” commitment by God for the rescue of every person He had ever created.

On such occasions as this one — whether it be Easter, or the anniversary of our own birth — are we as cognizant of the value of God’s commitment to us as we are of the apparent “cost” of holiness?

Once we begin to grasp the meaning of the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. . .”, the value of God’s gift makes any price we might pay pale in comparison.   – Luther

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December 8
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“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, do you think of yourself as chosen? Do you see yourself as a member of a royal priesthood; an intercessor between man and God? Do you consider yourself a citizen of a holy nation? To whom do you belong; are you God’s special possession?

On the average large American university campus, it would not be uncommon to encounter students who — outwardly — look like the stereotypical poor college student but are, in fact, heirs of family fortunes. It seems not to matter to them whether they are dressed-up or dressed-down, because it doesn’t change the facts of who they are or of their trajectory in life.

Peter’s words remind us of how God sees everyone — repeat — everyone who claims His name. Don’t sell yourself short, and remain mindful of the great gift God gave you when He “called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”  – Luther

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