September 9, 2007 at Saint Mark Church in Norman, OK
Wisdom 9:13-18 + Psalm 90 + Philemon 9,10,12,17 + Luke 14:25-33
It is important to notice that these words are addressed not to the disciples who have been information along the way to Jerusalem; but to “the people” who are following along. As I said last week, the journey is near the end. There is a sense of heightened intensity. If anyone in that crowd is even thinking of discipleship as a way of life, Jesus makes it clear that anytime requirements of allegiance to Jesus collide with any other loyalties or commitments, God’s royal right to rule prevails.
A shift of loyalties is a mark of discipleship. Blood lines and that kind of family relationship is not as important for true disciples. There is a new family found in the company of those who do the will of God.
The call to carry one’s cross is not counsel to put up with life’s problems. It is a wake-up call to would-be disciples, that their lives will know the same rejection, mockery, abandonment, misunderstanding, and humiliation that simply goes with discipleship.
To make certain that we understand that this message is directed to us, Luke uses two parables about people like us: people with resources, people rich, like us here in Norman. He would have us understand that entering into the community of disciples is not like joining a health club or a country club. This is not an entertainment complex, where we gather when we feel like it. This assembly does not come together to feel good
nor have our comfortable lifestyles affirmed. The demands of Jesus cannot and must not be spiritualized away. They are real, concrete, specific, and hard. It means: to be a disciple of Jesus you must be willing to let go of what you value the most. Then he gives three examples; familial connections which for many probably mean power and security;
possession which may or may not be material goods; and one’s own life which may well mean one’s lifestyle with all of its comforts, pleasures, distractions, and entertainments.
For you and me, this Gospel boils down to this: If we want to take Jesus seriously instead of just tagging along, it’s going to take DESIRE. It cannot come from a desire to look good, feel good, or even a desire to save our souls. It simply must come from love. We will have to love Jesus more than anyone else or anything else, and that kind of love will make any sacrifice seems easy. It is also going to require KNOWLEDGE. We have to know what we are getting into, So, it means a little study, a lot of listening, some planning, and a thirst of knowledge.
It is also going to take COMMITMENT. No quitting when it gets tough, no whining, no going back is allowed.
So, at this point in the journey to Jerusalem, we might decide, calculate, or make up our minds if we want to go on. What’s it going to be for us?