Take up your cross, follow Jesus – Prayer for August 19. Praise the Lord, everybody! From time to time, almost every Christian believer has questioned God about another believer’s relationship with God. Is it out of concern or jealousy that we ask?
Bible Verse for Today
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:20-22)
Here is Peter, having just been challenged by Jesus to “feed my sheep,” and already he has lost focus; now he wants to know what Jesus has in store for him.
Therefore, Paul tells us in Philippians chapter two that we must “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” As believers, we must stop wondering how, why, or what God is doing for another brother or sister in Christ and stay focused on the path He has laid for us.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Why did Peter ask about his fellow disciple? Was it out of concern for his brother? Or was it jealousy and gossip material? Jesus, who, as God, can discern the intentions of the heart of men, appeared to rebuke Peter by telling him to mind his own business, take up his cross, and follow Him.
There is nothing wrong with genuine concern for another brother or sister in Christ; that is why we need to pray and give to each other as needed, but when it comes down to God’s business, we need to stay out of it. Just take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Take up your Cross Prayer for Today
Father God, please help us take our crosses daily and follow you. Help us obey your word and seek our salvation with fear and trembling. Father, keep us away from all envy and strife. Remember always that what’s for us is for us, and what you have for another is for another, and what is your business is not our business. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Also read: Prayer for August 18
