Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 28; 2 Peter 2; Micah 5; Luke 14
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
There is a big difference between a church–goer and a disciple. Would you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus? A disciple is a learner. Jesus calls us to be his disciples and to follow him. When we do this, there are some requirements. In other words, we follow Jesus on his terms, not ours. Here Jesus tells us that in order to be his disciple we must forsake all that we have. This means that a disciple must realize that all possessions do not belong to them. They belong to Jesus. If those possessions belong to Jesus then we are stewards of our Lord’s property. He can do with it as he pleases.
The Bible constantly warns us that possessions can get in the way of worshipping God. In the Ten Commandments we are told not to covet. Not only that but the Bible tells us:
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Disciples must love Jesus, not money. To get rid of the love of money is a choice to follow Jesus. To trust Jesus means to know that he will provide for what we need. We don’t need to be greedy and covetous. We can forsake all we possess and trust Jesus to provide for us the things that we need. Instead of greed, we need prayer. That is what dependant people do – they pray to the Father.
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
The Father knows that we have need, but he wants us to ask him. He provides for us. Is that the way you live? Discipleship involves surrender. We must surrender our will and ways to the Father and become receivers instead of achievers.
In Christ,
Rody
