Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple. (Luke 14:33, MSG)
So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] give up all his own possessions. (Luke 14:33, AMP)
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be My disciples.(Luke 14:33, NIV)
So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:33 , NKJV)
In my daily devotional time, I have been studying and journeying through the life of Christ as He walked His life’s mission out in front of many as a true example. Every-time I study this, I become more introspective and begin to examine my commitment level as a believer. In studying Luke, and in particular Luke 14, I am reminded of the intense sacrifice of discipleship which is not for the faint of heart.
When I read this verse in multiple translations, I had to stop short and assess my current walk during this plague-like season; a time when I sometimes feel like the Israelites in the wilderness, Daniel in the lions den, the woman who just wants to touch the hem of His garment, Esther during fasting and praying, Paul encouraging others while in prison and Peter, His temper flaring disciple. This season of seclusion is forcing me to evaluate everything in my life; everything. And in reading about the sacrifice of discipleship, I know I must turn it all over to Him, let it go and pack light. And this is not easy to do for someone who would like things to be in more of my control. Can you relate to this today? Are you feeling more out of control as you let God take control? But in the midst of relinquishing control, gaining more peace and insight on who you are in Him?
These are the questions that I have been asking myself in this season as I find myself taking stock of what is truly important. These are the thoughts I have when I read verses like Matthew 6:33 (“But first and most importantly seek His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you also”). And although the stakes are high and the cost of sacrifice can be painful, purging is healing and so freeing. We can never know where God is trying to bring us if we can not allow Him to truly operate. He is always taking us to higher ground even if we have to go the scenic route and take detours. He has more in store for us than we can ever think of.
If there is anything that this social distancing season is teaching me is that we are not in control and that idea was just a man-made illusion with a wrongful conclusion. So in your time of prayer and fellowship, consider the cost. What do you need to let go of? What baggage are you carrying that needs to be culled? What are you running back to that you need to turn from and lastly what do you need to sacrifice in order to truly follow Him?
Stay encouraged!