LOVE THOSE THREE'S

Then He said to them all, "If

anyone desires to come 

after Me, let him

deny himself,  

and take up his cross daily

and follow Me."

Luke 23:24

Anyone who has been in Sunday school or Bible study classes could tell you that I tend to watch for key words in Scripture as well as phrases.  There are just some interesting things that catch my eye mostly while doing my own private reading or study.  I realize folks have said as long as I can remember that seven is God's perfect number.  I'm not about to question that as there are many reasons for taking that view.

I've never paid much attention to the "sevens" in Scripture but have really noticed some three word groupings that I have found interesting.  For instance:

Father   Son   Holy Spirit

Ask   Seek   Knock

Sun   Moon   Stars

Ham   Shem   Japeth (Noah's boys)

Faith   Hope   Love

Walk   Stand   Sit  (Ps. 1)

Peter   James   John

Abraham   Isaac   Jacob

I'm sure there are many more that could be listed, but the three's came to my thoughts because of the above verse I found in my personal reading.  Jesus was having a serious session with His disciples.  He's mentioned again that He is going to die and be raised the THIRD day.  Jesus, despite the news He gives His disciples, He is still encouraging them to stay focused on Him and mission.

In essence, I can't believe Jesus wouldn't even in this day, request the same of you and me.  He gave them three things to do that are each dependent on the others.  The order is a tough one both then and now.  If we REALLY want to follow Him, three things are required each of which is very difficult...deny self, take up whatever cross we are called on to carry and DAILY follow Him.  Wow, that's some job description, but not impossible if we are relying on His Holy Spirit.  

What a joy that the very Son of God desires our followership...what a privilege to be called to walk in His way.  Even a cross we are called to bear can be a blessing if we have denied self and have the desire to follow Him without hesitation.

Help us Father, to have a strong desire to follow You no matter our circumstances.  We can only do this in Your power and through You loving, guiding hand.  Thank You for the privilege of Your calling in our lives.  In Jesus name..Amen