Is this journey necessary? Do I really need this sacrificial journey of 40days fasting to activate my glory? Has Jesus not already glorified me by his death on the cross, the only sacrifice that matters? Is he not the fulfillment of the law and the prophets? Was His sacrifice not sufficient or perfect enough for me? Did not the letter to the Hebrews testify to this one perfect sacrifice of His (cf. Heb. 9 & 10: 1-18)? Did not v.18 says “where these sins have been forgiven, there is no longer any need for sacrifice?” Jesus’ sacrifice is perfect, there is absolutely no need for another.
Hmmm!!! Enticing and very convincing isn’t it? But just a minute, don’t these other words sound familiar too – “Did God really say you should not eat from any tree in the garden? … You will not die, for God knows that the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods….” (Gen. 3:1,5); “If you are the Son of God, order these stones to turn into bread” (Mt. 4:3).
Yes the sacrifice is perfect and there is no doubt about, likewise Jesus too being the fulfillment of the law and the prophets; He also made the call to this journey: “if you want to be my disciple, deny yourself take up your cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk. 9:23).
Did you notice that this call of followership is in the present continuous tense and not in the past? Luke’s account even gives it a more vivid description with the the adjective “each day” (Lk. 9:23). Jesus actual intends that those who will glory in his cross must journey with him sincerely. This accounts for his words: “he who puts his hands on the plough and looks back is not worthy of the kingdom of God” (cf. Lk. 9:62). Obedience to his calls is of paramount importance. If we do not follow him on a daily basis how can we achieve our goal of holiness and attaining heaven?
Don’t you know that the greatest challenge of contemporary day Christianity lies in sincere obedience in following Jesus on his sacrificial journey? OBEDIENCE is the key to unlock the wisdom and glory of God (Phil. 2:6-11) and the devil knows this that was why it had to make Adam and Eve disobey God.
See, the devil knows the awesome power and the consequences of this obedient sacrificial journey. It tempted Jesus in the wilderness and even used Peter to dissuade him from undertaking his journey (cf. Mt. 16:22), do you think he will spare you?
Your obedience is been tested, will you give in as Adam and Eve did? St. Peter says resit the enemy with strong faith (1 Peter 5:8), a faith that neds to be worked on in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).
Sing today “I need thee every hour.” Pray with Ps. 16, 124,121; St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord” and study chapter 7 of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Rev. Fr. Charles Emore