from now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. [galatians 6:17]
there is a cost.
there is a cost to become a son / daughter of God.
or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. [1 cor 6:19-20]
you were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. [1 cor 7:23]
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [matt 20:28]
but he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [is 53:10]
for by grace you have been saved through faith. and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [eph 2:8-9]
for Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, [1 pet 3:18]
all the cost for your rebellion fell on Jesus.
there is not one thing, you can do or ever could do …
to pay the cost for your sin. so, Jesus bore the cost of all your sin.
there is a cost to being his son / daughter.
and he said to all, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [luke 9:23]
the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. [rom 8:16-17]
i have been crucified with Christ. it is no longer i who live, but Christ who lives in me. and the life i now live in the flesh i live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [gal 2:20]
and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [gal 5:24]
indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [2 tim 3:12]
and whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [matt 10:38]
“remember the word that i said to you: ‘a servant is not greater than his master.’ if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.“ [john 15:20]
once you are his,
you will bear a cost to follow him.
you will bear the cost in so many ways …
because your flesh, the world, and satan – hates you.
they longs to shut your mouth, end your story, and defame Almighty God.
but,
if you are his.
if you are his son / daughter,
the marks you will bear as his follower
will be fueled and empowered by the same God
who fueled and empower Jesus to take the marks for you.
it is in his cost – we can bear our cost.
yes, Lord! give us your strength to bear the marks of Christ!
~ john ryan