Dependence

Luke 9:18-27 (The Message)

One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, "What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?"

They said, "John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back."

He then asked, "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?"

Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.

He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it.

Follow me and I'll show you how.

Self-help is no help at all.

Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.

What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels.

This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by.

Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God."

So...self-help or self-sacrifice?

This, it seems, is the question of the moment that Jesus has for his disciples.

After all, he knows where this story is heading. And, he even goes so far as to tell those who are following him. He isn't planning any surprises. He's upfront and tells them exactly what they should expect.

But, of course, they don't really understand...because this lesson is a hard one.

Self-help seems so much better (or at least easier) than self-sacrifice.

"The problem is your thinking," the world often seems to teach us.

Grab a bootstrap and start pulling. Do better. Self-help teaches us that everything can be within our grasp, if we just learn to really tap into our own resources.

Jesus teaches something radically different.

Through self-sacrifice, discipline and humility, we learn to depend on God.

Sacrifice and self-emptying would be Jesus' way in the world. And we are to walk in his steps.

This doesn't mean that we carry a martyrdom complex. It doesn't mean that Christians lack confidence or believe that they serve God only when they become doormats for the feet of "stronger" individuals.

It does mean that we can become free. We can be freed of the need to justify ourselves before God and one another. It means that we can let down our guard. We can become vulnerable. We can be tender toward one another. We can truly love and be loved.

We can embrace self-sacrifice because it reveals God's strength and life within us.

What a wonderful way to walk through this world. It is the lesson of true discipleship and a lifetime in the making. But Jesus says that it is possible.

"This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by." It's real. And it's today. The 4th of July is a wonderful time to celebrate American independence, and personal de-pendence on God.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the freedom that this day represents. May we celebrate with family and friends, filled with gratitude and peace. Teach us the ways of personal dependence and self-sacrifice, as we know that these things form the path of life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.