Read Luke 8
Highlights:
Jesus' preaching; more miracles; twelve disciples sent forth; 5,000 fed; Peter's confession; transfiguration; tests of discipleship.
A certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head (Luke 9:57-58).
Jesus was pointing out to this man that he would have to face many hardships in order to follow Him.
When Jesus said: The Son of man hath not where to lay His head, He was saying that He was not attached to any earthly possessions. The foxes and the birds of the air had a place of protection; but His life was exposed to suffering, humiliation, and self-denial.
Another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God (9:61-62). Our Lord did not welcome these volunteers who appeared so willing to join Him at a more convenient time. Their excuses revealed divided hearts that were unworthy of His high calling. That “single eye” devotion to Christ where all else in this world is of little importance was lacking. Love dictated the sternness of our Lord's words. Here is one more example that neither wealth nor position can truly satisfy, just as this young ruler thought he was truly a notch above the average person.
The cost of discipleship has kept many from following the Lord, for they are not willing to deny themselves the pleasures and interests that conflict with doing God's will. But those who are willing to live for Him know that the rewards of discipleship far exceed earthly pleasures.
Is there someone in your life or something in your heart that keeps you from giving first place to Christ, His Word, and His will? Self-seekers and compromisers are deceived into believing there will be a more convenient time.
He calls us unto Himself to communicate His life changing message. The more carefully we read His Word and listen to the Holy Spirit, the more all worldly ambitions and human standards fade into insignificance. Nothing else in this world has any eternal value.
For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me (Romans 15:3).
Thought for Today:
Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.
Cross Reference:
For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Word Studies:
8:44 stanched, stopped flowing; 9:3 staves, staffs, walking sticks; scrip, small bag for money or food; 9:29 glistering, shining with brilliance.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God that the answers to your prayers are granted through the grace of God (Is. 30:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:16
