Memorise:
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27
Read: Luke 14:25-27
14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Message
Children of God are to decide wisely what they want to do with their relationship with Him. Jesus, in Luke 14:27 said;
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."
A Cross is a symbol of responsibility, to say the least. It is a pointer to the fact that the path of discipleship is rugged and demanding. It demands a high level of determination to follow without looking back when faced with sufferings and temptations. This is why Jesus said in Luke 9:62;
"...No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
The cost of discipleship is also found in the blessed call of Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28-29:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
It is costly to follow Jesus Christ for many reasons. Firstly, He has a yoke and whoever wants to follow Him must bear that yoke with Him. An example of this yoke is found in John 4:34 where Jesus said; "...My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Whoever fails to share this burden with Jesus cannot be His disciple.
Secondly, the one who wants to be a disciple of Christ must learn of Him, he must pattern His life after Christ's life and one major way to pattern one's life after Jesus Christ is to be meek and lowly in heart. Philippians 2:5-8 says:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Beloved, you have to know that discipleship has its price, but it is highly rewarding. Jesus Christ said, "...and yes shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29).
Prayer Point:
Father, help me to pay the cost of discipleship, so that I can gain the immeasurable blessing of a genuine disciple.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zephaniah 1-3
Haggi 1-2, Psalms 89:1-14
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
HYMN 3: DEEPER, DEEPER
Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Chorus:
O deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.
Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
Chorus:
Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
Chorus:
Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Chorus:
Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.
Chorus.
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