This scripture forbids us...
Illustration
Object:
This scripture forbids us from hating anyone, much less our family. The word should be translated "love less than." In other words, Jesus wants to be at the top of our list. This calls into question those who would gladly give their own life for God, but would have to think twice if their wife or kids were threatened -- as has happened frequently even today. How can we love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind if we have other priorities? This is worth thinking about! I'm sure it wouldn't be too much for some of us to give God our houses or our wealth or other material things. That could make it difficult for some to be disciples. It may not mean we are damned -- because there is always forgiveness -- but it may not put us on the top of God's list.
We are even supposed to carry our cross. When I read a book that described what went on at a crucifixion it turned my stomach! It is one of the most horrible ways to die. I wouldn't mind carrying it like Simon of Cyrene, but then I would hand it over to our Lord. We read that several of the disciples died on crosses. Peter even asked to be crucified upside down. He did not feel worthy to die like his Lord. They must have known what you went through on a cross. Following our Lord wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for that cross!
If we want to build a church, will we not first check out the cost? If we run out of money halfway through, won't that be embarrassing? Not only for us and our congregation, but maybe for our whole denomination! It could even embarrass our Lord. This is true especially since the foundation has already been laid by our Lord, as scripture tells us.
The next one is one we should send to the president and congress! Some want us to charge right ahead and attack, but others want to first check out the cost in dollars and human lives. In America each side is shouting at each other! We even hate to see our country negotiating with an "enemy" for fear of looking weak. North Korea goes too far in that direction!
I don't think the last verse tells us to rush right out and sell all we have and give it away. It is more a willingness to sacrifice all for our Lord if we want to be his disciple.
In the Revolutionary War some soldiers gave up everything to serve, though later some revolted when the new government wanted to tax them when they had given all and had nothing left.
What are you willing to sacrifice for our Lord to be his disciple or are most of us happy to just squeak through in hopes God will accept the smidgen we are willing to give?
We are even supposed to carry our cross. When I read a book that described what went on at a crucifixion it turned my stomach! It is one of the most horrible ways to die. I wouldn't mind carrying it like Simon of Cyrene, but then I would hand it over to our Lord. We read that several of the disciples died on crosses. Peter even asked to be crucified upside down. He did not feel worthy to die like his Lord. They must have known what you went through on a cross. Following our Lord wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for that cross!
If we want to build a church, will we not first check out the cost? If we run out of money halfway through, won't that be embarrassing? Not only for us and our congregation, but maybe for our whole denomination! It could even embarrass our Lord. This is true especially since the foundation has already been laid by our Lord, as scripture tells us.
The next one is one we should send to the president and congress! Some want us to charge right ahead and attack, but others want to first check out the cost in dollars and human lives. In America each side is shouting at each other! We even hate to see our country negotiating with an "enemy" for fear of looking weak. North Korea goes too far in that direction!
I don't think the last verse tells us to rush right out and sell all we have and give it away. It is more a willingness to sacrifice all for our Lord if we want to be his disciple.
In the Revolutionary War some soldiers gave up everything to serve, though later some revolted when the new government wanted to tax them when they had given all and had nothing left.
What are you willing to sacrifice for our Lord to be his disciple or are most of us happy to just squeak through in hopes God will accept the smidgen we are willing to give?
