Disciples

 Luke 14:25-33

When we read this passage we think of discipleship in terms of what it costs us. But there is so much more to discipleship. So much that cannot be explained until we have made the journey of faith. Think of it like this.

It starts with a call. Something which has led us to this place. Something which has made us answer to be in this place at this time. Or something which has made us realize there is more to us than just living. A spiritual side. In and through this we realize our belovedness. It is the first step on the journey.

Like the Psalmist today we are in awe of the creation. In awe of our wondrous crafting. We were made to be in tune with the wonder of how we are made. This connection is imprinted in all of creation. No matter how old or young, God can reveal to us we were made for this spiritual life and we begin to want to share this life with others. In whatever shape this might be. In writing, in song, in welcome, in giving of ourselves to others.

Then comes the storms. We are in the boat and think Jesus is sleeping. We think we are left alone. So we do one of two things, we give up and leave, or we find the truth that we were never on our own. Jesus was there, not calming everything, but being present to us. This we only realize once the storm is over and past. We may even end up like the Jeremiah passage, broken and remade.

This is never a bad thing, but it is one of the hardest in being a disciple. Most times we feel Jesus should completely save us from these difficulties. Yet we were never promised this. We can see the full range and scope of human emotion in the Psalms. We can be in pits and then the dawn will break and we can praise. So we are being warned today that the easy road is not before us. We will be challenged.

It is how we face the challenges which makes the difference. Do we expect it? Do we think believing is such and easy road? Do we think we will always agree? No, this is not the promise. We are told things will be hard. We are told we won't even agree with those we are related to. So why do we expect saving from the hardest things?

See being a follower, a disciple doesn't guarantee ease. Instead it is a choice. A choice we believe what Jesus revealed is right. God loves the world. No and's, if's, or but's. And we are to show this to the world. By accepting the ones nobody else does. By giving more than we thought we could because we believe in abundance and provision. We dig in and show others this fantastic spiritual life is a promise. A promise of shelter in a hard world. A promise of life in death. A promise of things eternal which cannot be taken or bartered. This is the life we choose. Because we are followers of the way of love.