WATCHWORD:
“Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 20b …you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’[a]
”21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
24 When Jesus saw this,[b] he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”
27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:18b,20b-27
Meditation:
Cost of Discipleship, Part 2 of 3
Let’s put the Savior verse Lord question on hold for a moment. I’m in the process of writing a story, based on the man in the above passage of Luke. So, I have the rich man, Caleb, walking away from his encounter with Jesus. He is sad and has this conversation with Rachel, his wife/girlfriend/partner (yet to be determined):
“Caleb and Rachel watched Jesus walk away. The discontent that he had felt before was still with him. He was disappointed that this man, this Jesus, did not help him get beyond his lack of peace. What he said was confusing and he wasn’t sure it made any sense at all for him. How could he follow him, as Jesus had said? What did that mean? He had responsibilities, he had family, he had duties to perform in the synagogue, and he had others relying on him, counting on him, trusting him. It made no sense! Follow him? Indeed!
Rachel asked, “What are you thinking, Caleb?”
“I don’t know, Rachel. I had hopes that this teacher would help me sort through this unhappiness that I feel. But right now, I guess I’m just disappointed. What he was saying was too confusing for me. I can’t imagine that getting rid of the farm, selling all the livestock, and following that man Jesus. I can’t believe that could be the right thing to do. I don’t see that as a way to achieve peace.”
“Caleb, I don’t think that’s what Jesus meant when he suggested that you get rid of the source of your pride. I think he meant that your pride in your farm and its profits, all that you accomplish in your work within the synagogue, is of greater importance in your life than following God and what God would have you do.
“I have heard you say that you alone have been able to accomplish much success for the farm, the synagogue and for the town. But, is it really you, alone? Think about that. We both have been gifted by God in many ways, including our relationship. We pray that God will bless our friendship, and that God will lead us in ways that he alone knows. Isn’t Jesus talking about relying on God’s graces and following His will?
“In other words, Caleb, place before God the things you love about all of your possessions. Just give it all to him, everything, so that you stand before him, just a simple man, the loving man you are. Entrust it all to Him.”
Caleb, stands on the cusp of belief, while Rachel supports him, at the same time she is planting seeds of trust. Caleb was seeking a savior, and he was invited to become a disciple. He struggled in his pride, he was lord of his domain. Surrendering his ‘lordship’ to Jesus, was a problem for him. He sought to separate the two, while Rachel was pointing out that the two were one, inseparable.
In some ways, this is our dilemma, as well. We may understand the cost of our following Christ, but in the reality of our everyday lives, in our social or career interactions, most of us have a tendency to down-play our discipleship. Whether we are seeking Him out, or coming to Him with prayer requests, we come to Him as Savior. We come to Him because we believe, and in our belief, we are disciples.
The truth is, separating the two, eliminates both. One cannot survive without the other. There is no basis in the New Testament where this can happen, in fact you can find many scripture passages that refute this teaching.
What happens when you come to Christ and commit your life to him? You’re a new you. How can you not be a disciple? He has just washed you sin-free.
One last word picture – you’re a large auditorium and have been listening to some super-evangelist, high-powered in his or her message. And now the altar call, “Come give your life to Christ”. And counselors that have been scattered around the audience get out of their seats and walk forward so the people, on the verge of the decision, think that others are going forward. The choir or the band is playing a familiar song of invitation, “Just as I am”. Did they all get saved? Those who know, say that between 10% and 15% ever stay with even part of their commitment to Christ.
The emotional high of the moment only carried them so far. Savior? Lord? Disciple?
Oh, and what about that Cross we are to carry? Eh, we’ll worry about that tomorrow.
Stan
Bulletin Board:
Independence Day is the day married men celebrate something they once had. Boo!
Democracy is a word everyone uses, but none understand.
The 4th of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.
John Hancock was the only person to actually sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. The other signers did not sign it until August 2nd, 1776 or even later.
Morning Prayer:
God of justice and Lord of all, you guide all creation with fatherly care.
On this Independence Day, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations.
You reveal that those who work for peace will be called your sons and daughters. Continue to send your Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of all who cherish the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
And as you have called us to be one nation, grant that under your providence our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
