The more I reflect on God’s word, the more I marvel at how practical and true it is!

Jesus tells us to deny ourselves. But He doesn’t stop there. If He did, it would be stoicism or Buddhism. Jesus tells us our reward is treasure beyond all imagination. But He doesn’t start there. If He did, it would be epicureanism or hedonism.

He tells us to deny ourselves in order that we may gain a much greater reward!

Get this: Jesus told His disciples that He had to die. Understandably, Peter objects to this and Jesus rebukes him sharply by calling him “Satan”. It is in this context Jesus says to the disciples who were already following Him to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him (Matt 16:24). It was to correct the disciples who only had their own comfort and success in mind. But I never noticed what came immediately after this until a couple days ago. The very next event is the Transfiguration when Jesus’ face shone like the sun and appeared with Moses and Elijah on a mountain. God’s voice rang out saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I’m well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matt 17:5) And this was shown only to the disciples – the same disciples who were told they must deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Jesus!

What is Jesus doing? He is showing them what denying themselves will get them. They get God Himself! They saw the beauty and majesty of Jesus on that mountain and heard the audible voice of God! They were so disoriented by this experience, Peter start speaking gibberish. How awesome is that? When we deny our own will and fully follow Christ, we get the greatest treasure and delight there is in getting God!

Oh, how I wish we would see Jesus like Peter, James, and John on that mountain! Lord, grant us this experience as we seek you with all our heart. Let it not be a dry obligation or duty to follow you, but a delight and pleasure – above that of everything else! Amen.

PH