“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Series: Jesus I Surrender All

Devotional: 2 of 4

Last week we wrestled with the idea that for transformation into the image of Christ to happen, we need to understand the true condition of the human heart. We need to accept that although Jesus' work on the Cross has redeemed us, our hearts remain largely in a ruined state and have been formed by a world set against God. And so today, we will turn our attention to the intersection of self-denial and Jesus' words calling each of us to "take up our cross and follow him."

As time goes on and we continue to walk with Jesus, He begins to one by one knock at each of the closed-off rooms in our house. Jesus always initiates transformation because He knows us better than we know ourselves. The question becomes, will we walk over to the door, turn the knob, and let Him come in? Will we surrender or choose to tighten our grip on control? At this point in the process, the decision lies squarely with you and me.

John Calvin described this decision beautifully when he said, "For as the surest source of destruction to men is to obey themselves so the only haven of safety is to have no other will, no other wisdom, than to follow the Lord wherever he leads." It may seem odd to think about giving up complete control of your life as a "haven of safety." But this is precisely the vision of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus presented to His disciples then and now in the Gospel of Matthew when He said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (see Matthew 16:24-25)

So what exactly is Jesus offering to those who are willing to surrender their lives to Him and the advancement of His Kingdom? He is offering to exchange, not just enhance, the ruined condition of our hearts for a life found only in Him.

The path of transformation into the image of Christ is only possible through a surrendered heart that is continuously in process of transferring control over to Jesus. As we transfer control in each area of our life (each room in our house) over to Jesus, He forms us into His perfect image.

Today as you go, consider offering up the following prayer to Jesus. "Lord, thank you for continuously pursuing me in the areas of my life that I have been unwilling to surrender to your will. Fling open the door of my heart that I might be renovated into your image. And through your grace help me to take up my cross daily exchanging my life for the path that you have laid out before me."

OnThe3rdDay Devotionals

Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.

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