Consider the cost
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:33).
He can’t really mean that, can he? Give up everything? Hate your family? Maybe he’s exaggerating to make a point. We do that, don’t we? Read the words of Jesus and whittle them down so that they are words with which we can be more comfortable. It’s clear that Jesus is saying that disciples of his need to know what they are in for. Like a builder before building or a king going into battle, understand what you’re in for before you start. Consider the cost.
One thing we know about Jesus is that he asks us many times to consider what’s really important to us. If it’s something other than being a disciple and gets in the way and takes precedence over following him, then put it aside. It’s like having a bruise. Jesus gently touches the bruise, the sore spot. He knows what it is and challenges us to identify it too. What is it that we hold so tightly that we are not prepared to let go of? It could even be life itself! Nothing should be first above following him. Nothing, which is emphasised by asking us to give up everything.
So that gives cause for reflection, doesn’t it? We shouldn’t shy away from what Jesus says. But one thing we should know is that Jesus doesn’t ask something of us and then say, ‘Okay then, all the best. Leave you to it!’ There is joy in following him. There is a peace unlike anything else that flows into us when we follow. He walks in front to show the way, alongside us to be a fellow traveller with us, and behind us to see when we fall so that he can pick us up again. There have been those who say, ‘trust me’, and it’s dangerous to take them at their word. But when Jesus says it, you can count on it absolutely.
Jesus, you’ve found my sore spot, and it hurts. Help me sort out the first-things-first issue and discover the joy of discipleship that costs. Amen.
Jim Strelan is a retired pastor who lives in Brisbane, Queensland. He has worked in Papua New Guinea, two Lutheran colleges and two suburban congregations, both with schools. He has three children and seven grandchildren and loves them all unconditionally. His passion is to share the gospel in ways that are as clear and simple as possible.
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