A cost / benefits analysis is warranted when considering the cost of following Jesus. He said it Himself in passages like Matthew 16:24-27. But today we are going to look at some of the benefits.
One passage that has for the last 54 years of my journey as a follower of Jesus, is Psalm 103. In this Psalm of King David, he talks about the benefits given to those of us who follow the Lord. Take a few moments to read and reflect on these benefits.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them.” (Psalm 103:1-18)
Here are a few questions to assist your reflection:
- How many benefits for those who follow the Lord can you find?
- Which one or two benefits are most meaningful to you? Why?
- Think of a person who is close to you and ask yourself, which one of the benefits might be most helpful to them? Take some time to share your thoughts with that person (could be a text, email, voice mail or phone call).
- Take some time to talk with the Lord and thank Him for each one of the benefits you found in this Psalm. Thank Him for His lovingkindness and compassion.
Maranatha (Come Lord!)
Dr. Stacy Rinehart 