February 15 | Matthew 16:24-28

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DAILY READING

Matthew 16:24-28

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REFLECTION

What do I have to Lose?

By Elaine Pierce

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

The devil tempted Jesus - at least 5 times - in the desert. He offered the sun, the moon, the stars - the universe - and all Jesus had to do was perform a miracle of Satan's choosing (tell the stones to become bread; throw himself down from the highest point of the temple; bow down and worship Satan: see Matthew 4:1-11). It had to be tempting. But Jesus knew scripture and he knew his Father. He rebuked Satan, and angels came and attended him.

As I studied today's passage, my thoughts kept coming back to the example Jesus sets for us. Yes, he was tempted in every way that we are. The things of the world - material wealth, comfort, ease, access to power, money and sex - they were all available when Jesus walked the earth, fully human and fully divine. "Gaining the whole world" is not just a 21st century longing: it is the human condition. Take a moment to consider this quote by C. S. Lewis:

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probably explanation is that I was made for another world."

Yes, Jesus asks for it all: take up your cross and follow him. To save your life, give it to him. Gaining the whole world won't satisfy - it never does. You will be left with the gnawing feeling that something isn't right. It's like eating all the Halloween candy and waking up with a stomach ache - why on earth did I do that! Jesus doesn't promise a pain-free life, but a life that is richer, deeper, fuller than you can ever imagine. Today, thank him again that you are a child so dearly loved by God. Ask him to lead you, and go where he takes you. One day, one prayer, one step in obedience. Thanks be to God he loves us and wants a relationship with us!

PRAYER

Lord, so often I fill up on the world's junk and I am left empty and frustrated. Help me to drink from your word and to spend time with you. Catch me when I fall, and help me to follow you in spirit and in truth. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!