The Cost of Closeness

The prophets often spoke bluntly, whether addressing the people or even  God. Take Jeremiah today. He accuses God of seducing and overpowering him,  making him speak a word that has led to his ridicule and persecution. He was  even thrown down a cistern and left to die because of his preaching! Jeremiah  confesses he has no choice in the matter. When he refuses to speak God’s word,  he experiences a fire burning in his heart, consuming his very bones. 

The cost of drawing near to the living God can take us down a path we would  rather not go. Peter saw this coming when Jesus began to speak of the suffering  that lay ahead, instead of being the powerful Messiah people had been waiting  for, who would cast down their enemies and restore Israel to the glory days of  King David. Instead, Jesus spoke about taking up the cross, losing one’s life, or,  in Paul’s words to the Romans, becoming “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable  to God.” 

God’s plan for us is the transformation and renewal of our minds according to  the pattern of God’s Son Jesus. This transformation comes about when we “offer  [our] bodies as a living sacrifice,” seeking to discern and do God’s will as Jesus  did. Such self-offering may lead to our following Jesus on the way: finding life by  losing it for the sake of others, and coming to know the living God as purifying  fire, life-giving water, and nourishing food for our spirit.

Consider/Discuss

• Would your reaction to Jesus’ speaking of having to go to Jerusalem  be like Peter’s? Why or why not? 
• Can you apply Paul’s words to your life: “Do not conform yourselves  to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you  may discern what is the will of God”? 

Responding to the Word

We can pray that we have the strength to respond courageously to Jesus’ call  to be willing to lose our life for his sake. We ask to be able to discern in our daily  lives the way we can “offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable  to God, your spiritual worship.”