Today’s Reading: Luke 14:25-35

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.“

Luke 14:27

Meditation: Every thing of value costs something. Jesus teaches the crowds, as well as us today, that following Him comes at a great cost. He openly tells the cost of following Him so that all His followers are ready to meet those requirements. After all, Jesus says, doesn’t anyone starting a construction project first check to see that the project is within their budget before they break ground? Or doesn’t every good political leader first take inventory of their military resources before deciding to go to war? In varying degrees, both circumstances require thought about what it will cost to move forward. A lot is at stake in these decisions.

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Jesus’ demand for commitment was unlike that of other teachers of His time. If Jesus were not God, His requirements would seem outlandish and inappropriate. But because He is God, these requirements makes sense. He guarantees that followers of Him will need to uphold their relationship with God over all other relationships. They will need to forsake all their own desires for those of the Teacher and Savior. They will need to willingly bear their own cross and relinquish all earthly things for Jesus’ sake.

Following Jesus begins with accepting His invitation into a relationship with Him, but does not stop there. It is a choice that we are called to continually make with how we invest our time, talent, and treasure. This commitment of great price costs us everything only because it is worth everything. Every thing of value costs something. What would you exchange for the blessing of following the God of the Universe into eternity?

Prayer: Loving God, You are faithful to bless and so patient with us as we grow by Your Spirit. Thank You for Your joy which comes from seeking after Your righteousness, even when we fall short. Thank You for Your call to us to follow You. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 26; Psalm 19