This week we’re reading Luke 9:57-62 and 14:16-24.
Once upon a time, three college students encountered Jesus. With a twinkle in his eye and a charming grin, Jesus said to them, “Follow me.”
The first one lit up like a Christmas tree. “Of course! When do we start? That sounds awesome!”
And Jesus tilted his head and looked at her. Really looked at her. In silence, he saw. “It is messy. It is uncomfortable. It is difficult.” She deflated like a balloon. Just then she got a text.
The second one responded, “Are you on Facebook? Let’s keep in touch. My parents really want me to finish med school first.”
And Jesus looked at him and saw. “Those books will be out of date next year. I really want you to shout out the good kingdom in the middle of Wal-Mart. Right now.” He couldn’t make eye contact. Just then a pretty girl walked by.
The third one said, “Yes, but first I need to…”
“Yes?” Jesus waited.
“I’m just so busy right now.” Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she readjusted the bag on her shoulders and hurried off.
Everything in life costs you something. Every choice you make limits all your future options.
Consider this week’s lesson in discipleship:
A disciple’s number one priority in life must be following Jesus.
Following Jesus is going to cost you something.
One day you received an acceptance letter from college. It’s a pretty worthless piece of paper if you never show up to campus, right? A simple invitation guarantees you nothing. An invitation doesn’t come without a condition.
Are you just dawdling along in the Way of Jesus, until something more exciting comes along? Or did you say “yes” to Jesus because all the cool kids were doing it and now all the cool kids are on to doing something else?
The Way of Jesus demands your immediate attention. No excuses. No delays. No regrets. Right now.
What are you waiting for?
Fiftyeight 