DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Falling in Love with Jesus
by Judy Webb
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But, whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."
(Matthew 10:32-33)
This is a familiar passage, but not one we hear preachers address often. While it is familiar, I can’t honestly say that I have studied it much. To be even more truthful, I would ignore it when possible, as it is very difficult to embrace, especially as a new believer. As the years pass and I am more aware of the importance of studying and understanding scripture, I find verses 32 and 33 powerful.
There are many statements in these eleven verses from today’s reading that are difficult to take in. Verses like:
"I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (verse 34) and
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (verse 37)
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (verse 38)
"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."
(verse 39)
These commands are difficult to understand and even harder to embrace. I have wrestled with how to love Jesus. Just what does that look like? How do you love someone you can’t see or touch? This is a question often asked of folks new to the faith, or just exploring the possibility.
I don’t know if I can properly answer this question without sounding vague. I have found that studying or reading daily has increased my desire to open my Bible every morning. When I process what I have just studied and try to apply it to my life, that is when Jesus comes alive.
Building that relationship with Jesus is when love happens. His faithfulness to his Word is undeniable. So, the answer to the question, “how do we love Jesus who we have never seen, more than a parent or child we see and interact with all the time?” The answer is, there must be a relationship, we must get acquainted with Jesus and we do this through reading His Word and praying. We must take it in daily and take it personally.
We need to use the Word as food and as drink—as though our survival depends on it… because it does!
PRAYER PRACTICE
Jesus, show us how to draw close to you and feel comfortable with our relationship with you. We know you love us, teach us what it means to love you above all else.
Good one. Thank you….tough verses.