Daily Discipleship Guide for 08-JUL-2010
Jesus' words telling the man not to go bury his father illustrates that those who commit themselves to be Jesus' followers must be prepared to be rejected by family and friends. They must be willing to alienate even close relatives. In Matthew 10:34, Jesus says,
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household." Following Jesus takes priority over even the highest of family responsibilities. How far are you willing to take your faith? What has your faith cost you in your family relationships?
Jesus is named "the Prince of Peace" but also "the Lion of Judah," a God of power and purity, of strength and justice. As we follow him, we learn to care about the things he cares about: love - the tenderness of grace and fairness – the hard reality of truth. If you choose to follow Jesus closely and love the people he loves, and care about the things he cares about, you can expect to be treated the way he was treated, criticized by your enemies, and misunderstood by your friends.
On a scale of 1 (not willing at all) - 5 (I'll sacrifice all comfort and security), how willing are you to risk your earthly security and comfort?