(W)hole world?
by Jonathan Krause
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What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)
Read Mark 8:27–38
That’s the trouble, you know.
You work and work and work to get and get and get … and everything is lovely, and you’re having a wonderful time … and then real life sneaks up on you and smashes you in the head.
You lose a loved one. You are disappointed at work. You make a mistake you can’t get past.
Someone lets you down. Someone uses you up. Someone isn’t who you thought they were.
Suddenly, a hole opens up inside you. A yawning gap you thought you had filled with things that promised happiness. Success. Admiration.
Do you know that feeling?
The darkness of that hole can settle over you. Infecting every day with gloom, so that it’s hard to see light anywhere. Even a grandchild’s smile can struggle to find its way through.
Read further in today’s Bible reading, and you might be disappointed there’s not a quick, easy fix offered by Jesus. (If Jesus were a TV salesperson, he would have spun a whole series of promises with an easy payment plan and a set of steak knives if you got in quick.)
But, no, what Jesus actually says is this: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (verse 34).
We’re not used to being asked to deny ourselves.
In fact, it’s the opposite. Each day, we’re pummelled with products to make life easier. You may feel challenged that receiving the gift of faith doesn’t guarantee a whole array of earthly benefits.
What we do know for certain, though, is that whatever happens in our lives, we are not alone.
So, if a hole of fear, despair, shame, loneliness, heartbreak, grief or loss opens up inside you (as it will), hold on to the promise that you can turn to Jesus and be sure that hole will be filled with hope.
And that’s worth a whole lot more than the world.
Lord Jesus, you know me inside and out. You know my hurts and hopes, my faith and fears. Complicated, aren’t I? Give me the strength to see my whole world in you. Amen.
Jonathan lives south of Adelaide with his wife Julie. Blessed by children and grandchildren, Jonathan enjoys reading and writing, walking by the beach and watching Collingwood win. Author of many devotion books, Jonathan is the Community Action Manager for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).
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