Daily Reading: Luke 14
So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14.33)
Devotional Thought: Luke 14, today’s chapter, contains one of the most challenging statements of Jesus: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple” (v. 26). It is obvious from the rest of the Bible that Jesus does not mean we should absolutely hate others in the sense of loathing them. His usage of the Greek word for hate (miseo) here is relative or comparative. All these other relationships must bow before our primary relationship – that with Christ.
This is true to Jesus’ message throughout his ministry, summed up by his statement in Luke 14.33: we must give up everything in order to follow Jesus. That does not mean that we do not “have” things, for quite often what we “give up” for Christ is given right back to us. Whether it is family, job, friends, homes, hobbies, or dreams – we surrender them to God, and he turns around and gives them back to us to use for his glory and purpose. I often tell young couples who are dedicating their children to God that they are placing their child in God’s hands, but he then turns right back to them and puts that child in their arms to raise and nurture… for him!
Jesus’ call is not a call to convenience-driven service and devotion. It is a call to the rigors of complete surrender. Jesus is Lord… at all times, in all places, for all situations, over all relationships. Have you surrendered your life completely to him?
Prayer: Lord, give me, by your grace, the spirit to sing: "All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give. I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live. I surrender all. I surrender all. All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all."
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 139.17-24
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain!
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
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