As Christian people can we "take up our cross and follow Jesus into Jerusalem "?

[Betty]

 
Well the Olympics are over for another 4 years.
$40 billion to put on the spectacle.
But I suppose because of the economic upturn in China over the last few years, the people can afford it.
OOPs, I mean the government can afford it.
I was corrected by someone who I spoke to about the high dollar cost for the show.
The people can't afford it, but the government can.
 
I am sure a lot of the people of the country could have benefited immensely from some of that money.
 
Now it will be off to London England, where they are not sure how their economy will be able to handle the high cost of hosting the "games".
$40 billion is out of the question.
So maybe we will be able to watch London host a much trimmer budgeted games?
Time will tell.
 
The politics of the games aside, it was amazing to hear of the many records (Olympic and world) that were broken by the athletes.
These amazing athletes, whose calling it is in their life, to train, to work hard, and to do the best that they can do.
 
Much like the call to Jesus' disciples that we hear about in this week's gospel lesson. (Matt 16:21-28)
To truly get the most benefit from anything in this life, one has to work hard, follow the example and advice of the one who is the teacher (or trainer) and give it all you've got.
That is what Jesus wanted of his disciples.
It is what Jesus wants of us.
It is what the coaches and trainers and the country wanted of our athletes in the Olympics.
Are we as Christian people willing to give our all, "take up our cross and follow Jesus into Jerusalem"?
 
Matthew 16:21-28
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ 23But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
 
26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27 ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
 
Have a great balance to the week.
A wonderful final summer holiday and blessings to the back to school gang.
 
Prayer:
Gracious God, bless us on our journeys in this life.
Be near us, support us, challenge us, love us.
In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.
 
Rev. Jamie York
Hastings Roseneath Pastoral Charge
The United Church of Canada