A Hard Saying

SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:25-27
²⁵ Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

OBSERVATION: This is one of the most difficult sayings of Jesus. There is not one important relationship left out; parents, spouses, siblings, and children, even our own lives are all included. We cannot truly be a disciple of Jesus unless the Lord means more to us than all of these. Our allegiance to God must be greater than to our own self-interest. Our love for family must be subservient to our love for him.

APPLICATION: There is a high cost for being a disciple of Jesus. Following God sometimes entails some difficult choices. I am reminded of some scenes from "Fiddler on the Roof". When the oldest daughter does not want to let her parents choose her husband and use the services of a matchmaker, as is the custom, the father struggles with the idea, but is brought around to accept it. His second daughter, likewise, makes some choices that challenge their cultural tradition. Again, he is brought around to acceptance. But when the third daughter makes the choice of marrying a man outside their faith, the father cannot accept it. This does not just challenge a cultural tradition but a tenet of his faith. Likewise, I must obey God rather than compromise any of his principles to keep peace with my family. I have had to make that choice and it is more painful than I could possibly have imagined. But I have this hope; that God loves my children (and others in my family) even more than I do and that through prayer, I can work with him to bring them back to God. I trust him in and through all things. He comforts my heart as I commit myself to him and pray for those I love who do not have God as first place in their lives. When I read the words of Jesus in this passage, I know I have made the right choice. My obedience is what gives me boldness to approach his throne and ask for the return of the prodigal.

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for working in the lives of those I love. Bring them back to you. Convict them of their sin and bring them to repentance and restore them completely. Give back the years the locust has eaten. I mourn for them and long for our relationship to be restored. I look for them to come down the road, just as the father of the prodigal did. Do whatever is necessary to bring them back. In the meantime, I praise you and lean on you for comfort. I take joy in your presence and will enjoy the fruitfulness you give me. There is nothing, and no one I desire more than you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.