Jesus often speaks truth in irony. The apparent irony here is resolved when we see that Jesus uses the word "life" alternately for the bodily life and for eternal life and salvation.
How much of our time is spent on finding “the good life?” The pursuit of wealth, pleasure, parties and power justify all sorts of immoral and hurtful behavior.
Have you ever known anyone in the church who seems pious and joyful on Sundays but ruthless and shamefully malicious in his pursuit of business Monday through Saturday? I have known such people. They justify their behavior in totally unjustifiable ways. Jesus calls such people out in today’s verse.
Jesus gave us His entire life from His birth to His terrible death on the cross. Our response to Him is a 24/7/365 commitment to the life of faith. There are no exceptions for “business!”
If we are called upon to suffer unjustly or give graciously for the sake of others, we are losing our lives for Christ’s sake. But the gift that Christ’s gives us is greater than any temporal gain we may ever receive from unjust, immoral, and corrupt behavior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of life. Take my life and let it be always, only, all for Thee. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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