Giving up everything for Jesus.

#9-4-22
Giving up everything for Jesus
 
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 14:33, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
Jesus can’t really mean that, can he? Give up everything? Hate your family? Maybe he’s exaggerating to make a point. We do that, don’t we? Read the words of Jesus and weaken them so that they are words with which we can be more comfortable.
 
Nothing should be first above following him. Nothing, which is emphasized by asking us to give up everything. So that gives cause for reflection, doesn’t it? We shouldn’t shy away from what Jesus says. But one thing we should know is that Jesus doesn’t ask something of us and then say, ‘Okay then, all the best. Leave you to it!’ There is joy in following him. There is a peace unlike anything else that flows into us when we follow. He walks in front to show the way, alongside us to be a fellow traveler with us, and behind us to see when we fall so that he can pick us up again. There have been those who say, ‘trust me’, and it’s dangerous to take them at their word. But when Jesus says it, you can count on it absolutely, for it is the truth.
 
Please pray with me; Jesus, you’ve have made me think about my personal life and what I would not want to give up to follow you.  Forgive me and help me to discover the joy of discipleship with you. In your blessed name, I pray.  Amen.
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