PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 14:25-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“If he is not able, he will ask for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:32)
Does Jesus really mean we have to give up everything?
And how can he ask us to hate anyone, even our family?
He is using hyperbole – extreme statements – to make a point.
You have to love him more than anything if you want to follow him.
Do I risk my comfort, my personal desires, my reputation for Jesus?
Do I risk ridicule or misunderstanding to do what Jesus says?
To be honest, I feel I have subscribed to ‘christianity lite’.
All the pleasures and benefits without the calories (or costs).
I admit it, I am not able, I need to ask for terms of peace.
And Jesus is glad to offer peace to all who can admit their need.
Following Jesus is hard, but Jesus will help us if we ask.
The church isn’t for those who can, but those who admit they can’t.
When we admit we can’t, he graciously helps us to grow stronger.
He welcomes me as I am, even as he works to make me as he is!
PRAYER
Lord, my commitment to you is not this strong, but your commitment to me is. Thank you for your terms of peace, and for patiently helping me be your disciple.
My stuff gets in the way! “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” I convince myself that it’s not mine but a trust – I’m just a steward – but really – I still act like an owner rather than a manager! That comes to the stuff – but what about my time? What do I give priority? Is it the kingdom? Again I recognize my deficiency. I have to give that to the Lord as well and not hang on to my own agenda. Lord help me to follow – to entrust it all to you – you are the owner – help me to be a better steward/servant I pray!
All too often I live my life without thinking – without thinking of what would Jesus have me do. He needs to be irst in all things. I need physical reminders so that I remember that I am living for Jesus. Reminds me of WWJD.
I need His guidance every day so that His will be done. Thank You Lord for Your Spirit leading and guiding me along the way. Help me daiy to walk in Yor ‘Sonshine.’ Thank You for Your promise to be with us always.
1 All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.
2 Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.
3 Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
cling to gilded toys of dust,
boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
only Jesus will I trust.
4 Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.
5 O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.