Going Around in Circles?

In a parable of life, a man is rowing his boat on a lake. Inscribed on one oar is the word “Faith.” On the other oar is the word “Works.” The oars are symbolic of our ministry as followers of Christ. If that man pulls on only one oar at a time, he will get nowhere. The boat will go around in circles.

In today’s Gospel Lesson, Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” The Apostle Peter answers, “You are the Christ” (Mk. 8:29). Peter was identifying Christ as the Messiah of God, his Lord, and Savior. That’s Faith! Then Jesus went on to teach the disciples that He “must suffer many things.” He described His mission on earth as sacrificial. And He made it clear that the same would be true in the mission of the disciples. “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself,” Jesus said. Let him “take up his cross and follow Me”…