Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, October 1
Matthew 8:18-27. Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Sometimes I am just like these disciples: I want to follow Jesus on my terms. And even when I do make an effort to follow Jesus’ way, there are many times when I find an excuse not to follow him right now. I want an inexpensive, cheap, easy discipleship.
Even worse, I sometimes live out my faith simply because I think that if I do, Jesus will owe me something. Perhaps an easier life, perhaps riches and honor and fame, certainly a reward of some kind. Thankfully, I have not walked away as many have done when they discovered the truth, when they got to the heart of what Jesus was preaching.
Even more thankfully, while I have experienced pain, hardship and suffering at times, I have always experienced more joy, pleasure, and reward than I could have imagined. Following Jesus is its own reward, but we only discover that in the following.
PRAY for the Diocese of New York (Province II, USA)
Ps 18:1-20 * 18:21-50; Daniel 2:31-49; 1 John 2:18-29
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Yes indeed. The joy is in the journey when we keep the eye on the prize. Faith in the vision of the unknown eternal communion with God and our neighbor.