DO WE LOVE AND FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS?

The LORD Jesus, speaking to the disciples, which must include even us, this morning, says something that we should never ever forget.
– “37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” – Matthew 10:37-39

The thrust of Jesus’ words emphasises two very important things, which as the disciples of the LORD Jesus, we should remember them always. 
1- WE ARE CALLED TO LOVE THE LORD JESUS, over and above everything and everyone else, NO MATTER WHAT, and NO MATTER WHO.
– “37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:37

This fulfills the first of the Ten Commandments, that the LORD have in the Old Testament; and also, the first of the two greatest commandments, which the LORD explained in the New Testament.

2- WE ARE CALLED TO FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS, over and above everything and everyone else, NO MATTER WHAT, and NO MATTER WHO.
– “38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:38

This speaks about our heart, its desire and its willingness to obey the LORD Jesus, despite any obstacles and difficulties, including our personal struggles and shortcomings.

The above two, our LOVE for the LORD Jesus, and our OBEDIENCE seen in we following Him, are connected inseparably. One does not exist without the other. Nay, one cannot exist without the other.
– One cannot claim I love the LORD Jesus Christ, and not FOLLOW or OBEY Him in his life.
– In the same manner, One cannot claim I am FOLLOWING or OBEYING the LORD Jesus, and not LOVE Him over and above everything and everyone else, NO MATTER WHAT, and NO MATTER WHO.

When one does demonstrate such LOVE, and such OBEDIENCE, towards the LORD Jesus Christ, then they would be more than willing to walk any kind of path, fraught with any kind of dangers, and even including death.
– “39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” – Matthew 10:39

This is speaks about one dying to self, dying to the world and all it alluringly offers, and desiring to live for God, despite the cost. It speaks about the grain of wheat choosing to die, so that, by its death, sheaves of wheat can be produced.
– “24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” – John 12:24-26

The apostle Paul grasped this truth very clearly, and hence he says…
– “20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:20-21

Now, what about us my dear brothers and sisters? How are we walking as a Christian? What position does our LORD Jesus hold in our hearts, and in our lives? Does He get primacy over everything and everyone else? Are we willing to follow and obey the LORD Jesus, despite all the obstacles, and our own struggles and shortcomings? 

May we always desire to love God, and live for Him, and Him alone. May loving and living for Jesus our LORD, be the first and the only priority in our lives. May we be eager and willing to take up our cross daily, and follow our LORD, faithfully and obediently, no matter what. Even so, the LORD help us.