Daily Devotions

Following on from riches yesterday, today we look at the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:28-33 Jesus is looking at a small group of possible disciples. They are attracted to him and would like to belong with him. He tells them: 'Hold on. Don't start something you cannot finish. The cost could be high.' Eleven of the twelve apostles counted the cost and eventually paid it, though they stumbled on the way - think of Peter denying Jesus and hiding during the Crucifixion. Poor Judas stumbled and never found his way back. 

The passage Jesus finishes with Jesus saying, “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.” (The Message.)

Jesus is asking his followers "Are you serious about discipleship? Or not?”

How do people organise themselves for the things about which they are serious? How do I organise myself for the things about which I am serious? Our possessions are often referred to as our treasures.

The cost of discipleship is high for Jesus; the examples he uses emphasises this, and points out also that the decision to follow him is one not to be rushed. The way of speaking in his time was often in stark contrasts, so the contrast of discipleship and possessions is his way of valuing discipleship over all else, not of rubbishing possessions. Prayer is the time of day or night when we offer our heart and our gifts and concerns as best we can to God.

It was Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book the cost of discipleship wrote. “Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected. In the wilderness God gave Israel the manna every day, and they had no need to worry about food and drink. Indeed, if they kept any of the manna over until the next day, it went bad. In the same way, the disciple must receive his portion from God every day. If he stores it up as a permanent possession, he spoils not only the gift, but himself as well, for he sets his heart on accumulated wealth, and makes it a barrier between himself and God. Where our treasure is, there is our trust, our security, our consolation and our God. Hoarding is idolatry.”

Holy God,

Being a disciple does not always come easily.

There are so many other things to do, important things.

I have responsibilities that get in the way of my best intentions.

Give me eyes to see that possibilities and a heart big enough

to follow you.  Amen.