From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.” (Matthew 10:24) Ever meditate on that one? So many times, we cry out to God to lighten our load, or make our lives easier or take the pain away.

And yet, our Savior and King, Jesus, wept, cried, was beaten, denied, then died! And He was without sin! Do we think we are above Him in this regard?

Jesus never blew past those who were mocking Him; nor did He just hang around those who loved Him. Nothing…no, nothing ever diverted Jesus from following His appointed task—to die for us. Are you following your appointed task in that manner?

Jesus led the way for us, not to death, but in the death of His flesh; we are led to life–here and now and for eternity. What a word picture for us–live so your fleshy nature is D-E-A-D and let your God nature rise up and give you L-I-F-E. What a God we serve! Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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