Wednesday (November 6): Whoever does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple # Scripture: Luke 14:25-33 # Meditation: Why does Jesus say we must hate our families and even ourselves? The expression to hate often meant to prefer less. Jesus used strong language to make clear that nothing should take precedence or first place in our lives over God. Jesus knew that the way of the cross was the Fathers way to glory and victory over sin and death. He counted the cost and said yes to his Fathers will. We, too, must count the cost and be ready to follow Jesus in the way of the cross if we want to share in his glory and victory. What is the way of the cross for you and for me? When my will crosses with Gods will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and sweet for us is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that Gods love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). We can never outgive God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love of God? What does the parable of the tower builder and a ruler on a war campaign have in common? Both risk serious loss if they dont carefully plan ahead. In a shame and honor culture people want to avoid at all costs being mocked by their community for failing to complete a task they began in earnest. This double parable echoes the instruction of Proverbs: By wisdom a house is built and by wise guidance you can wage a war to ensure victory (Proverbs 24:3-6). Every landowner who could afford it walled in his orchard as a protection from intruders who might steal or harm his produce. A tower was usually built in a corner of the wall and a guard posted especially during harvest time when thieves would likely try to make off with the goods. Starting a building-project, like a watchtower, and leaving it unfinished because of poor planning would invite the scorn of the whole village. Likewise a king who decided to wage a war against an opponent who was much stronger, would be considered foolish if he did not come up with a plan that had a decent chance of success. Jesus tells his would-be disciples that they, too, must count the cost if they want to succeed as his disciples. Jesus assures success for those willing to pay the price. All it cost is everything! What does Jesus have to offer thats worth giving up everything else? More than we can imagine! Jesus offers the gift of abundant life and everlasting peace and happiness with God. (See the parable of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44-45). Its natural to ask what will it require of me or cost me before I sign up or agree to pay for something. Jesus was utterly honest and spared no words to tell his disciples that it would cost them dearly to follow after him. There can be no room for compromise or concession with God. We either give our lives over to him entirely or we keep them for ourselves. Paul the Apostle says, We are not our own. We were bought with a price ( 1 Corinthians 6:19b,20). That price is the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed for us upon the cross to redeem us from slavery to sin and death. The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or any possession above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. Jesus way to glory and power is opposite the worlds way of glory, power, and success. The choice is ours, but the Lord does not leave us alone if we choose to follow him. Does the love of Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (see 2 Corinthians 5)? Lord Jesus, may your love transform me that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. May you always be first in my thoughts and intentions, and in my words and actions. -dailyscripture
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 08:14:12 +0000
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