The “Backwords” Gospel
“ . . . whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and the gospel will save it.”
“ . . . the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
“ . . . love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . .”
“ . . . whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”
In our culture, the individual is supreme. Every person is master of their own destiny, and in charge of their own life. We’re told to only do something if it brings us joy. We’re told to follow our heart, and be whatever we want to be. We’re told that no one can tell us how to our life (there’s irony there if you look for it!). We’re told over and over again that we are at the centre, and our happiness and satisfaction comes first.
Jesus and the Gospel say the exact opposite. God comes first, others second, and then the individual third. We’re to be servants, not rulers. We’re to be givers, not consumers. We’re to be sacrifices, not gods. And yes, in the wisdom of the world this doesn’t make sense. It shouldn’t work. According to our culture following Jesus should only bring us frustration and pain and a life of unmet needs and desires. But that simply isn’t the case. In and through Christ we find our true purpose, we find real life, and we find deep satisfaction in Him that is lasting, not here today and gone tomorrow. It is only through faith in Jesus that we can have peace and joy.
On Sunday we gather to celebrate this new life we have through Christ. I hope you’ll be able to join with us! Our gathering starts at 6pm.
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
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