Adventure - Day 27

“Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”  Luke 2:33-35 NLT

Jesus never said following Him would be easy.  In fact, He pretty clearly told us the opposite.

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7: 14, NLT

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Luke 9: 23, NLT

“Everyone will hate you because you are my followers.”
Luke 21: 17, NLT

For Mary and Joseph, though they’d have the joy of bringing the Savior of the world into the world, they’d also suffer.  Mary specifically would have to watch her beloved child  not only face continuous opposition and be misunderstood, but then to be beaten beyond recognition, suffer one of the most torturous ways to die ever designed by humans, and then die a criminal’s death.  Indeed her sword would pierce her soul.

Bringing new life into the world is always with it’s risks.  I have talked to many a young couple that wrestle with the thought of whether it is ethical to bring another life into a world that is so messed up.  For Mary and Joseph, the life they helped bring into the world was sent to offer an ultimate fix to that mess.  But that fix came at a horrific cost.

When you and I first surrender our lives to Christ, it is often referred to as a rebirth or being born again.  We die to our old selves in the waters of baptism, and are raised to new life in Christ.  However, just like a wedding day, that’s the celebration.  The work comes next.  Every day, we must seek to die to self so that the new life of Christ can continue to come anew.  This process isn’t easy, as stated above, the road is narrow, we must continually deny ourselves, but the outcome is transformation and redemption and renewal; not just for us, but for those around us as well.

If you’ve ever been in a birthing room, let me tell you, bringing new life into the world is one of the hardest things a person can do (and by person, I mean a woman…I just sat their and held her hand).  But when that new life comes into the world, it’s also the most beautiful thing a person can ever witness.

May you and I encourage one another as we seek to let the life of Christ come alive in us each and every day.  May we come alongside one another in the tough times, celebrate with one another in the good times, and do what we can to keep each other on the narrow road that leads to life.  Because the life that Jesus offers is the life that we were made for, and even though it can be difficult on this side of heaven, it’s also amazing.

So Crosswalk let’s go on this parenting adventure together as Jesus comes to life in each of us, and in our communities of faith.

JOURNAL

1. What have you found to be hard or challenging about following Jesus?
2. Have you ever felt the “piercing of your soul” because of the cause of Christ? 
3. What kind of encouragement from your community of faith is most helpful to you, in helping you stick to that narrow road that leads to life?
4. How could you encourage someone today in their walk?