Yahshua asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” After listening to various answers, He asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replied instantly, “You are the Messiah!” Was Yahshua thrilled to learn of this understanding? His response was unexpected. Strictly, He warned them not to tell anyone, and then spoke about His forthcoming sufferings, rejection, death and resurrection. Were the disciples taken by surprise at this? Had they yet made the link between the Kingly Messiah of their Scriptures and the Suffering One? Perhaps they only remembered the glorious prophecies. How did Yahshua’s conclusion impact them? “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple],” He said, “he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me” [Luke 9:18-23; Amplified Bible].
Salvation is a magnificent gift of immeasurable cost; none of us could afford it! However, the gift’s already paid for, and given freely to those who believe in Yahshua [John 3:16]. Through this gift, Yahweh takes us out of the domain of darkness and relocates us in the Kingdom of His beloved Son [Colossians 1:13]. Here we must adjust to different laws, expectations, values, and lifestyles, learning to live differently, no longer “in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but…in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]” (Romans 8:4; Amplified Bible). It’s called ‘dying to self’. “This dying of self and birth of a new life in Messiah,” writes Andrew Murray, “must happen daily.” What a challenge!
I used to think one spiritual act of ‘dying to self’ was enough to release me to my new life of victory. Each time I ‘failed’ as my ‘old self’ reared up, I became very discouraged. I’ve learned that coming to terms with my old nature and successfully ‘dying’ to its demands can be a recurring need. Yahweh is continually working on us and in us, to bring us to the state of perfection He envisions for us [Philippians 1:6]. Let’s learn to yield wholly to Him through a daily dying.
Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash
https://unsplash.com/photos/3U7HcqkIbb4
You Are The BranchesClick to see the whole passage:
1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
Lives have been changed. People from all walks of life have been born again through the gospel. Our message does work.
Roger Thomas
The Congregation Of Yahweh
Head Office (UK)
27A Carlton Road
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
NG3 2DG
T: 0115 837 8083
E:
W: www.congyah.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 245132
© Copyright 2024 The Congregation Of Yahweh
