The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 14:33,
"In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
Jesus made this comment to large crowds that were following him. He told them that if he didn't take preference over their own family members, they could not be his disciples. He also spoke of counting the cost before beginning as his followers. Using the word picture of a tower builder who failed to anticipate the costs of building a tower before beginning and failing in his efforts while suffering the ridicule of others, he reminded them of the importance of counting the cost of discipleship before beginning. He also used the picture of a king who considers the force of an opposing power to determine if he ought to go to war or ask for terms of peace. Again, count the cost before beginning.
Consider the costs, determine what it will take to be a disciple. And, if we are unable to count the cost of discipleship, if we are unable to "carry their cross and follow me" we cannot be a disciple of Jesus. Rather than Jesus Christ simply being the "religious component" to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, he is to be everything to us. Not what we do on Sundays only, not just a ten percent proposition in our lives, not simply the one we go to when we are sick, lose a job, lose a spouse, fight off the creditors. He is to take the top priority in our lives.
Why should he be? Why should Jesus Christ be the first and greatest part of our lives here? Why should he take priority over family, over work, over school, over vacations and toys and entertainment and hobbies and pastimes?
There is every reason this should be. We come into this life as part of a lost and fallen race of people. We live in a world that exists in hostility and rebellion against God. Since the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden we have earned a just and certain place in a fiery lake of burning sulfur, Revelation 20:15. We have been born into this world as condemned people, but he and he only has made a way for us into eternal life, John 5:24. Out of a tremendous love for us he came to die a miserable death to take our punishment on him that we might have a place in his family, John 3:16 and Romans 3:22-26. Here we read he has made eternal life available to us simply by embracing him in faith.
For those unsaved, life in eternity estranged from God and under his condemnation is pictured as a "fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth", Matthew 13:50. Darkness and misery are clearly depicted for all under God's condemnation. Jesus spoke of a rich man who died and from his place in death he called out to Abraham, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire." Luke 16:24. As such we are told to fear God. Jesus said, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Luke 12:4-5.
Jesus Christ is the only Son of the Father, sent by the Father, John 1:14, and is the only way to eternal life, John 14:6, where he said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Life in eternity for those saved is pictured as "eternal pleasures" Psalm 16:11 and a "river of delights", Psalm 36:8. As such, God's love is considered "priceless" and "unfailing", Psalm 36:7.
Is Jesus Christ worthy of taking the first and greatest part of our lives, our top concern and priority? I think so. How about you?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
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