day 22: Disciples then and now (Part one)

Day 22: Disciples Then and Now (Part One)

Scripture Reading: Luke 6:20-23

In Luke 6:20–23, Jesus turns the values of the world upside down. In a society that celebrates success, comfort, and approval, Jesus speaks blessing over the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and those who are rejected because of Him. At first glance, this seems strange. How can hardship or rejection be called a blessing? But Jesus is speaking to disciples, those who have chosen to follow Him. The blessing is not in the suffering itself, but in the relationship with Christ that sometimes leads to that suffering. The first disciples discovered that following Jesus often placed them at odds with the world around them. Their loyalty to Christ meant that they would sometimes lose status, security, and even the approval of others. Yet Jesus reminds them that God sees their faithfulness. What appears to be loss in this world is not loss in the kingdom of God. The poor will receive the kingdom. The hungry will be satisfied. Those who weep will laugh again. Even rejection for the sake of Christ becomes a sign that we belong to Him and stand in the same line as the prophets who came before us.

For disciples today, the challenge remains the same. Following Jesus is not merely adopting Christian beliefs or attending church. It means allowing Christ to shape our priorities, our identity, and our courage. There may be moments when faithfulness to Christ costs us something such as comfort, reputation, or acceptance. But Jesus assures us that our lives are held in the hands of God, and His kingdom will ultimately reveal the true value of our faith. Discipleship, then and now, is not about chasing worldly blessing but about walking faithfully with Jesus. And in that journey, even the difficult moments become signs that we are truly following the One who first walked the path of suffering and glory.

Prayer:

Precious Jesus, I am again reminded that you were hated, not by the world but by those who should have loved you most, yet you did not return that hatred. Help me to be your wholehearted disciple whose life is marked by true righteousness and who pursues the purposes that matter to you, even when I am despised, misunderstood, or judged wrongly for it.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church