Drinking the cup

Matthew 20 : 17 - 28

...the Son of man came not to be served but to serve....

What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? It is not often physical martyrdom of the kind endured by Christ's followers in the early centuries of Christianity. It may instead be the long routine of a faithful Christian life with all its setbacks and struggles and disappointments. Such a life does not seem heroic at all and one falls into the trap of discouragement and apathy. But if lived well, every 'ordinary' life can become one of humble service and personal sacrifice, of seeking to please God in the small mundane tasks of life, without fanfare.

Only a growing personal relationship of love with our Lord will enable us to follow him.......and drink fully the cups of blessing, of joy, of sorrow that are given to us at different times in our lives.

Lord - may we see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly. Amen.