Taking up the cross... What Tension

How do we deal with Jesus teaching on what is required to be his disciple?

Especially when he says things like:  

• hate your father, mother, brother, sister, and even life itself (Luke 14:26) 
• Sell all your possessions and give everything to the poor (Luke 18:22; 14:33)
• deny oneself and take up your cross and follow me (Luke 14:27)

And Jesus told the crowds if they did not do these then they could not be his disciples.  If that is true I am not sure I could be one either. This question of the cost of discipleship has tension in my life as a modern day pilgrim and follower of Jesus.  I count myself as a group who has for years called themselves disciples.

I have always believed there are some costs and difficult requirements.  And I think all Christians should count the cost of discipleship.  The cost of discipleship is something we have to consider if we are going to follow Jesus.  Who meets Jesus high requirements beyond those disciples in the bible?  

Most of the time, when we talk about modern examples of person who meet these requirements we think of martyrs.  A couple of persons who I think of that have given it all away and followed Jesus are Mother Teresa and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  

Here is where the tension comes.    

Let me be frank, when I hear those names and read of their journey as a disciple, I am in awe.  I could only wish I was that brave.  I was living as humble and selfless life as Mother Teresa or as bravely as Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  I know that I don't measure up.  

When I look at other stories in the bible and I find Jesus praising others who never gave everything up or gave up their life for him.  Read the story of Zacchacus (Luke 19:1-10) or the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13.  Jesus tells the Roman that he has shown greater faith than all of Israel.  And Zacchacus is praised for his radical change in life, but neither would they are no mother Teresa or Bonhoeffer.  

So which is better?  Which one is a real disciple?  Does one of sacrifice or way of life make one better more a disciple?  What is the cost of discipleship today?  

In taking up my cross in today world mean that I must give everything away or give up my life?Do I have to sell my house and car?    Or can I just be a strong person of faith.  A person who goes to church, gives to the poor, and shares the message of Jesus love.  I can do that?  Can I play it safe? 

Believe me I want to take care of my children and my wife.  If I get to choose I want to be one the great people of faith Jesus highlights, but who didn't have to give everything away.

What is the cost of Discipleship?  I think it can cost you all you have and even life itself.  But then what am I suppose to do to be Jesus Disciple?  

I wonder if the better question, what will it feel like to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant?" We all will have to account for our lives one day.  What will it feel like to hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant.   

Count the Cost...

Take up your cross and follow me... (Luke 9:23)

What does this mean?

How do we do this daily?

Read Luke 14:25-33

Then give me your thoughts.

What level are you...

Every time I attend the ballet or a Broadway show in Dallas, I notice in the program a list of donors that have helped make it all possible. They are listed in categories like: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each of these levels come with a price tag. It is not just the arts that uses these titles, but also institutions of higher education use a similar system to categorize the giving of Alumni. The higher status metal is equated with a higher about of monetary support given to the organization.

Have you ever wonder if these categories have a positive or negative aspect?

Should churches adopt these practices in their work and publications?

I don't think so.

I think any system like this once again sets up a hierarchy So because someone who gives 1 thousand is greater than someone who gives 100. What if the person who gives a thousand in a millionaire and the person who gave 100 is clerk at a gas station? Who is the greatest? Who should be at what level?

Do you know what level you are at? Have you allowed some list or organization to put a label on your status in it's membership?

What do you think?

Status...

Who is the greatest?

At some where along the journey of life we all have thought about greatness.  Some of us may have dreamed of being a great athlete.  Some of us dreamed of being great doctors or nurses.  This week as part of the self reflection of lent, I have been considering the mistake the disciples made of arguing about who was the greatest (Mark 9:33-41).  

I also have been thinking about how easy it has been to be sucked into the culture of consumerism in which products, possessions, and bling all are symbols of greatness or success.  

I am making a list of frequent purchases, buying habits, and regular activities that reflect a desire for acquiring status above "the least of these."  Take a few minutes and try to do this.  How could you make any adjustments to your buying habits during lent as an intentional response to Jesus call to be servant of all.

Lent 2009 - Enough

This week I have been thinking more about the mistake the disciples made of thinking they did not have enough food for the crowd that had gathered in Matthew 14:13-21.

If you have time today, take a moment and read Matthew 15:32-39.  Then I would invite you to compare and contrast these two similar stories.   What are some of the differences?

• The number served went from 5000 to 4000.
• The number of Days people had been with Jesus

What else?

Is it the same amount of food?

Is it the same amount left over?

The disciples still are worried about having enough.  I wonder does that mean that they didn't learn from the first time they witnessed Jesus feed the large crowd?  If so why?  

Is there something else we can learn from the disciples in this story?

Their question of "Where can we get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" is  different.  The first time they said, "we have nothing but five loaves and 2 fish." (NRSV)  So are we still dealing with the same mistake?  Could this be the same situation just being told again?

What I see in both situations is the disciples misunderstanding of what is enough.  And isn't that true for us today?  Don't we constantly struggle with the question of how much is enough?  How much do we need to retire?  How much do we need in savings?  How much room do we need for our family?  How much room do we need in our next car?  

So I challenge you to think about what the culture around us says is enough.  Then talk with someone about what guidelines or criteria do you use in assessing what is enough in your own life and family.

Then maybe for lent you can give something up?  

You know... Give something up that you have enough of or maybe stop getting something you have enough of already.  Do you really need another pair of Shoes?  Do you really need another tie?  Do you really need another shirt or pair of socks?  

Then give something away to someone who needs it more than you or buy something for someone else instead of yourself.

Just a thought.

Lent 2009

Have you given anything up for lent?

Have you committed to self reflection and denial for the 40 days leading up to Easter?

For all who attended Ash Wednesday Service, I challenge us to consider entering Lent AT OUR OWN RISK... The challenge was not just to give something up, but to take something on.  For example if you give up just 30 minutes of t.v. a day, but then to fill that 30 minutes with prayer or bible reading.

I have taken on the discipline of weekly reflection and writing here on my blog about the mistakes the disciples made while they were following Jesus and how we might learn from those mistakes.

On Sunday, I share one of the most known miracle stories in the bible.  Jesus feeding the 5000.  I want to suggest that the disciples made two mistakes.

1.  They wanted to send people home because it was getting late and it was close to meal time.

2.  They made the mistake of thinking they didn't have enough resources to feed the people.

Follow up Questions:

Here are some questions that I am reflecting on and using in my prayer time this week:

1. How much is ever enough?
   
2. How much Jesus is enough in our lives?
3. What is one problem or situation that you see or hear about that you want to see change, but feel like you are helpless with?

• Once you have that situation(s)...  Pray about it this week.
• Ask God to give you a dream or a creative solution
• Take time to listen for God and look for God

1. Then ask how could God multiply yours and others resources to make a difference.

If you get a chance reread Matthew 14:13-21 and see these mistakes the disciples made.

I look forward to share another entry with you tomorrow.