Journey through Lent

Today we reach a milestone in our daily devotional from St Nicholas Methodist Church as we reach our 1000th posting.

We continue with a Lenten quote to mark our journey so far. Here, in these stark words from one who knew the hardship of the 1940s concentration camps we find Dietrich Bonhoeffer speaking of Self-denial. He writes, “Self-denial means knowing only Christ, and no longer oneself. It means seeing only Christ, who goes ahead of us, and no longer the path that is too difficult for us[…]. Self-denial is saying only: He goes ahead of us; hold fast to him.”

Jesus shared such thoughts with his followers when he said, “He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, '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, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?” Mark 8:34-37

To be asked to take up a cross would have been really shameful. In Jesus’ time, the cross had not yet become the sign of victory and resurrection. Going with Jesus means often going against the tides of opinion, values, behaviour or thought. The cross was a real symbol of losing life, both physical and spiritual. Prayer gives courage and strength to live like Jesus, to listen with the openness of the disciple’s ear, and to share his life in our world.

There is a cost to discipleship. Following Christ may make us feel foolish in front of others. In our following of the Lord, we need the support and solidarity of like-minded people. Our endurance and self-sacrifice will bring forth the kingdom in ways we may not expect.

Jesus, give us your wisdom to guide us in choosing the better path in our daily lives - the path that leads to life and to you. Draw our hearts to your truth which always sets us free. Amen