ELOGOS for Tuesday

Mark 8:34-35
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
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Sitting on the patio of a harbour side restaurant, I watched a young family on the pier gathering for a picture. Several yards away were a few young men of a different ethnicity.  I watched the parent of the young family lifting up their phone, choosing not to take a selfie, and walking over to the young men to ask for their help to take the picture. They didn't speak each other's language but they figured it out.  I know, I know. Not so long ago that would not have been a noteworthy event, but it is now.  It was a risk - handing a stranger beyond ethnic boundaries your property and asking for help.  The young family was willing to take the admitedly small risk for a better picture.  What for the sake of the gospel are we willing to risk?
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Day by day, let us follow thee more nearly. Amen.