"Come After"

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me".  Luke 9:23

Jesus offers an invitation to anyone who will to come after Him.  This phrase "come after" has a two-fold meaning.  One means to follow behind something or someone.  Many are "coming after" Jesus like this.  They are following Him through religious formality.  They go to church, they have a church membership, they read the Bible, give offerings, say prayers and try to treat others kindly.  They stay away from alcohol and other vices and immorality.  They are doing the works, but have they really accepted the invitation?

Have you ever heard anyone say that they were "going after" something?  You may have heard those who participate in the Olympics talk about "going after the gold".  What do they mean?  It means they are passionately pursuing that gold metal.  They are doing whatever it takes to obtain it.  They making whatever sacrifices that are necessary in order to
win it.  They aren't letting anything stop them, hinder them or get in their way from obtaining it.  They are keeping their eye on the prize and doing everything in their power to pursue it.  This is the second meaning of "come after".  This is the invitation that Jesus has given us.  To passionately pursue Him.  To go after Him with everything we have and are.  To see Him as the greatest "prize' to be received.

Have you accepted His invitation?  Are you "coming after" Him?  Which definition are you coming after Him with?  Are you following Him through religion practices only-- the dos and don'ts, the list of rules and regulations?  Or are you following Him with a passionate pursuit?  Having "eyes" only for Him?  Going after Him with all you have?  Loving Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind?  Giving/sacrificing all to have that relationship with Him?  Making Him your heart and life's goal?  You are either following Him one way or the other.  Which is it?

Have a great day.  How are you "coming after" Jesus? 

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from 
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