When I officiate marriage ceremonies I remind the man and woman that this becomes the preeminent relationship. I often say, your spouse will be the first one you bring good news to. And should any difficulty, its them that you go to first, all others second. You have good friends, mom and dad, but they now are second to your spouse. Jesus, illustrated the cost of discipleship and preeminent place he takes in a Christian’s life by saying all other relationships pale in comparison to the love He has for us, and the love and devotion we are to reciprocate. It’s as if we hate the others. Strong words for a serious topic: Lordship. To be our Lord, means He is the maximum authority. Jesus says, we should seriously (not casually) consider whether or not we can make that commitment on a daily basis. When we fail in our Christian walk, we will be subject to ridicule. Let’s not do that.
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:25-33 NASB
When did I first make the decision to follow Him? What are my daily practices to reaffirm my allegiance to Jesus, His cause and His community?
God, as this day begins- I am anticipating much. Would you continue to go before me providing and preparing the people I meet. May I be a blessing. I pause this morning to ‘count the cost’ of discipleship. Often the blessings seem to outweigh costs. Like a pearl of great price, I marvel at knowing You and being included in Your kingdom. I look around and see creature comforts that are wonderful, but not necessary. You’ve made this season quite nice. I wonder what’s ahead and how prepared I am for it?
