“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” 23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”” Luke 10:21-24 NKJV
““If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?” Luke 14:26-30 NKJV
Father God,
Jesus showed his pleasure, He rejoiced, at the return of the disciples. He did not ask about those who would not listen, critique or debrief. He revelled in their willingness and their sharing of God’s love. It must have been wonderful to know His pleasure.
Later, he addressed the disciples and a large multitude who were following Him. Was he sifting out those who were following and didn’t know what it would entail?? So they would see that as it cost Jesus everything it would cost His disciples everything too. It would take commitment. Family may be against it and in Jewish culture family is centre of everything.
Father, today we read Jesus words and we give thanks for those who have gone before us and served at great cost to themselves even giving their lives. We recognise that it is no different today, discipleship costs and for some more than others. And we grieve over those members of our own family who reject Your love and refuse to even consider You. We grieve over those who suffer pain, imprisonment and isolation for just believing in You. And cannot believe that even today Your children are martyred for their faith. Lord God we ask, we plead, for their lives and their freedom. For their families and for the churches under attack. Would I stay true to You under such threat? I am nots sure I would. Thank you for our relative freedom and wealth – may we use it wisely and support those without it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 3rd November 2026
He will hold me fast. I believe it. Help those who are under persecution and sentence of death. Hold them fast, in Y0ur love.
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so He will hold me fast
Repeat chorus
Lyrics: Matt Merker