Introduction
This devotional booklet, Journey of Faith: A 40-Day Devotional on Obedience and Reverence (Book 2) is a continuation of Book 1, which aims to guide teenagers in understanding the importance of cultivating good character, as emphasised in the Bible, for a purposeful and fulfilling life.
We will delve into two key virtues – obedience and reverence as mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Ephesians 4:1-4 – essential aspects of being a Christ-follower. Each devotional will explore the journeys of various individuals including contemporary people and Bible characters, in their obedience and reverence towards God and the authorities.
Following this, the Bible passage reflections will encourage you to apply these teachings to your daily life. Should you feel the need to converse with God, our prayer section provides prayers for your use, and offers space for personal or group prayers if you’re doing this with a group. Join us in this life-changing exploration of character development and spiritual growth.
DAY11 Following The Leader
Today’s Bible Reading
Luke 9:21–24
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. - Luke 9:23
In the sky over our house, three fighter jets scream through the sky—flying in formation so close together they appear to be one. “Wow,” I say to my husband, Dan. “Impressive,” he agrees. We live near an Air Force base and it’s not unusual to see such sights.
Every time these jets fly over, however, I have the same question: How can they fly so close together and not lose control? One obvious reason, I learned, is humility. Trusting that the lead pilot is traveling at precisely the correct speed and trajectory, the wing pilots surrender any desire to switch directions or question their leader’s path. Instead, they get in formation and closely follow. The result? A more powerful team.
It’s no different for followers of Jesus. He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
His path was one of self-denial and suffering, which can be hard to follow. But to be His effective disciples, we too are invited to put aside selfish desires and pick up spiritual burdens daily—serving others first instead of ourselves, for example—as we closely follow Him.
It’s quite a sight, this humbling, close walk with God. Following His lead, and staying so close, we can appear with Christ as one. Then others won’t see us, they’ll see Him. There’s a simple word for what that looks like: “Wow!”
By Patricia Raybon
Questions:
1. What did Jesus instruct His disciples not to tell anyone (Luke 9:20-21)? What reason or reasons might He have to keep this information secret?
2. What did Jesus come to do (Luke 9:22)? What does this mean for those of us who are Christians, followers of Jesus (Luke 9:23-24)?
3. What is one thing that God is calling you to do or stop doing this week in order to better obey His call to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him? Will you do it?
Prayer:
Please, God, draw us close to You. Fill us with Your Spirit of love and joy and peace. Enable us to be a shining light in our world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.