Transformed – teen devotion – January 23, 2022
One truth shared: When Jesus went out to preach, what could he expect? When we go out with the gospel, what can we expect? Though we pray for gospel success and hearing, the rule is more often rejection.
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Luke 4:28-30
Uncovered Rule
I hate to break it to you, but following Jesus isn’t the easier way. Not everyone will be happy to hear what you tell them about God and his Word. Not everything in life smooths out and gets easier when you believe in Jesus. Your family life won’t suddenly be better. Your struggle with a temptation won’t miraculously go away.
The life of Jesus makes this clear to us. In one of his first appearances as a preacher, Jesus is rejected by his own hometown. They wanted to throw him off a cliff! Jesus started out another day feeding over 15,000 people, and the next day he wasn’t sure if his own disciples were going to stick with him. Remember how his ministry ended? At the cross.
If the life of your Savior wasn’t easy, you can be sure yours won’t be either. You will try to share your faith, and people will push back against it even though it is the truth. The devil will make it difficult for you to follow Jesus. In fact, Satan will do whatever he can, not just to make your life difficult but to turn you against Jesus too. That is his goal and his purpose.
Following Jesus is not the easier way, but it is the better way. It is better because Jesus has already carried your punishment and your sorrows. It is better because you can trust that Jesus is the King who is ruling over your whole life, and he is good. It is better because he promises to always be with you and to ensure that you are never alone. It is better for 1,001 reasons more.
Following Jesus is not the easier way, but it is the better way. Stay close to him and you will not lose.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when the road behind you is scattered with difficulties and hardships, stay close to me and support me. When people don’t hear me when I share the truth about you, assure me how true your Word is. Do not let anything turn me from you no matter how the road of faith may be. Amen.
