In an advertising campaign some
years ago a particular credit card company asked the question, "What
card do you carry?" The implication of the ad
was that any intelligent person would use their card because it was so superior
to the others.
On His way to Jerusalem Jesus was developing a large popular
following. Most of them had witnessed His power in one way or
another. All of them liked His teaching and all of them had expectations
of what their life would be like when Jesus became King. Knowing
what was ahead of Him, as well as those who followed Him, Jesus
attempted to prepare His followers for what they would eventually
face. Isn't
that part of what God's Word should do for us today? Should
not the Word of God prepare and equip us for living our lives in God's
Kingdom as disciples of Jesus?
So, in His own way Jesus asks, "What is
it that you intend to carry in your life?" It was Jesus' way
of asking, "What is most important
to you?" A related question goes something like this: "Have you
considered the cost of whatever it is that you want to do?" These questions
need to be asked in a variety of situations.
When I conduct pre-marital counseling, for instance, I ask
the couple to determine what marriage is, what they will give
to it and what they hope to receive from it. Sometimes the harsh
reality of what is involved in making marriage work is a significant
interruption to what has only been to that point an emotional
experience.
When we were considering adding an addition to our building
we attempted to plan very carefully so we could afford what we
are building. After an initial agreement is signed every change
must be accompanied by a signed change order so one can keep
track of unexpected changes and their cost. Too many change orders
can leave you unable to pay the bill.
I'm told President Bush and his advisors studied and
planned carefully before engaging in the war on terrorism. The
First Lady said he agonized for days as to what to do. It is
difficult to predict the cost of conducting something of this
magnitude. The President's critics say he didn't
estimate the cost correctly. In any case, the advice of Jesus
is seen, or should be, as being applicable in many situations.
Originally,
Jesus was saying to those who wanted to follow Him, "This
is what will be involved. This is what it will cost." Many
Bible interpreters will attempt to say that Jesus is using hyperbole
or exaggeration to make His point. Others will say He is to be
taken literally.
There are three things Jesus says, "If you want to
follow me you have to hate your family, hate your life and be
willing to give up all your possessions." If
we take this literally I know of no person in their right mind who
would accept the terms. What Jesus seems to be saying is that discipleship
involves total commitment to Him.
In the August 16, 2004 edition of Time magazine, page 53, there
is an article by David van Biem titled, "Roll Over, Martin Luther." It
explores the impact of Protestant Christianity in our country. In answering the
question, "Why is mainline Protestantism shrinking?" the author cites
three reasons from the past several years. Heading the list of explanations is, "Mainline
churches did not require enough commitment, theologically or evangelistically,
from congregants, whose enthusiasm waned accordingly." The
other two causes were lower birth rates and becoming involved in
other things rather than seeking members. The Church is declining
because if did not require enough of its members.
Winning teams, thriving businesses, special forces and individuals
who succeed know there is a cost. I listened to a member of the
Canadian Olympic Rowing Team after they had lost a race they
were supposed to win. He said, "I
have sacrificed everything for years for this moment. I have
given up school, career and my social life in order to be part
of this team."
I think Jesus is not trying to be difficult but honest. There
is a cost to discipleship. For Himself and many of His earliest
followers, the cost was their physical life. Many of them did
give up home, family, job and possessions in order to help start
Christianity. Many women and men are doing the same thing today
to combat terrorism.
The difficult question is deciding where we are to draw the
line. In our Old Testament lesson from Deuteronomy for today
the situation is this: God has brought the Hebrew people out
of slavery in Egypt and has led them through the desert to the
Jordan River. The Promised Land is on the other side. Moses has
led God's
people throughout this journey but now the mantle of leadership
is to pass to Joshua. Moses reminds the people of all that God
has done for them and reminds them of God's covenant law.
Moses now says to them, "You must choose between life
and death. You must choose what lifestyle you will follow. Follow
God and live; choose something else and die.
Jesus is doing much the same thing with His followers. "You
have to count the cost and decide what is most important." He
isn't saying we must
hate our family. He is saying we must love Him more. He isn't
saying we must hate our life. He is saying we must love the life
He offers us more than life anyone or anything else can offer.
Jesus isn't saying
we literally have to sell everything. He is saying we must love
Him more so that as others are in need we will provide from what
we have, admitting that our relationship with Jesus is more important
than any other relationship or possession we can have.
In a way Jesus is asking us if we trust Him and the word He
brings. Or, are we going to place our ultimate trust in someone
else or something else? Moses was reminding the Hebrews that
ultimately life comes from choosing God. Jesus is saying the
same thing. It may be easy to trust this when everything is going
well. It is much more difficult when our family and friends are
against us. It is much more difficult when our enemies seem to
prevail. It is much more difficult when we are in pain or things
in life appear to be overwhelming us.
What Jesus is saying is God will not forsake us. Therefore,
it is important that we not forsake God lest we lose what could
be ours. We dare not settle for something less because we choose
an easier path. When we count the cost, is there ultimately
anything of more value than salvation and eternal life? |
