THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:25-35
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate… cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
How can Jesus want us to hate anyone, most of all our family?
But then He adds “even our own life”, which gives us a clue what He means.
Jesus is using hyperbole – an extreme statement – to make a point.
Following Jesus is risky, costly, life and priority changing!
To join Jesus in loving like God in a graceless world will be tough.
For some, even their own family will turn on them, and they may face death.
In some parts of the world, this is the price for following Jesus.
“Those who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33)
These words are challenging to me; what kind of Jesus follower am I?
Will I risk my comfort, my personal desires, my reputation, etc. for Jesus?
Will I risk ridicule or misunderstanding from my family to do what Jesus says?
Honestly, I feel that I have subscribed to ‘christianity lite’.
All the pleasures and benefits without the calories (or costs).
Does this explain why so many western churches are shrinking, dying?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I have sensed for a long time that my version of following You is very different than Your version. I need help to change this. May Your Spirit stretch and guide me closer to Your intent for my life!