Those Who Lose

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27

Those Who Lose - Memorial Day 2019

Memorial Day is here and we forget
on this day of honor and respect
to remember the fallen, the young
who offered their all for the greater good.

They gave themsevles up for others
not for rewards or for hig praise
but because they knew no other way
to honor those before and after themselves.

Denying oneself is not a lesson given
a gift from the grateful and terrified heart
respect for the freedom and love given
an honor bestowed on all citizens.

Some would say they died in vain
others would say that war is foolish
I say all that and yet remain convinced
they fell for me so that I might live.