jump when i say jump
Jesus "said: 'Come after Me.' " —Luke 9:59
Jesus calls us to follow Him not on our terms but on His. He does not preach the prosperity gospel. In fact, Jesus doesn't even promise us a roof over our heads. The foxes and birds have better "benefits" than we do (Lk 9:58).
Moreover, Jesus doesn't let us choose our own pace but demands we jump when He says "Jump." "Now is the acceptable time" (2 Cor 6:2), and we've no time to bury fathers or say good-bye to family (Lk 9:60-61).
Jesus demands our "all." It would be unreasonable for anyone else in the world to make such demands. But a crucified, nail-scarred, thorn-crowned Savior has the right to expect all now. The first of all commandments is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (Lk 10:27). After what Jesus has done for us in becoming man and dying on the cross, how can we give Him anything less than everything? The least we can do is the most we can do for Him. Our greatest privilege is to be Jesus' slave (Col 3:24). We are eternally indebted to Him for the honor of serving Him. Thank You, Jesus!
Prayer: Jesus, give me the privilege to work and die for You. "The greatest thing in all my life is serving You."
Promise: "Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God." —Lk 9:62
Praise: St. Jerome spent four years in the desert, learning God's Word in solitude and prayer.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 18, 2015
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.