He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Gilgal was the first place the Israelites stop in the Promised Land. Gilgal was west of the Jordan River. This is the place where they set up remembrance stones. This marked the covenant of God by observing the rite of circumcision. They no longer be called an unbelieving generation. Gilgal has the meaning of the circle.
As a child of God, who is willing to follow God there by faith, will come full circle in a significant way. We will take a look at Paul. A man who is a great example of this. He was the greatest offender, then turned defender. Another man that had a Gilgal is Peter. He denied Christ before he was crucified afterward, though Peter was zealous for the gospel.
Those who experience the pain of reproach will see God roll it away if we persist in believing Him. Some Gilgals are not noticed until we have reached heaven.
Are you ready to learn more?
Read John 20:29. What are the keywords that involving us did Christ say to Thomas?
Read 1 Peter 1:8. How much will God honor those of faith?
Read and write out Luke 9:23. Write down each reference He made to an individual. It is a personal invitation. Look closely at the compound word “anyone .”Christ is a ready willingness to lead whoever will follow. Christ died for millions of ones. Our relationship with Him is personal. This verse is talking about two people – the willing follower and the leader. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9 and Ephesians 3:20.
As a reflection on the word “anyone,” read John 21:1-8. Take some time and think about what occurred. Peter saw Jesus on the shore and had to be with Him. He couldn’t stay in the boat. He swam to shore, with the rest of the crew in the boat following. Peter was a man who remained completely attached to the body of Christ. No one determined his pace but Jesus.
Read 2 Chronicles 16:9. Look up the words strong, heart, and perfect. What are the meanings to these words according to the Strong’s Concordance?
Are you willing to be like Peter?
Look at the 3rd fifth of your life. What pivotal events, traumas, or life markers occurred? Did God do anything specific? Are there any lies you believed during these years that God later exposed to you and put His truth there?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being complete in our lives. Thank you for being our leader.
In Jesus Name
Amen
