Forsake, Not Just Surrender (Lu. 14:33)

Read Luke 14:33.

Why did Jesus use the verb "forsake" (MEV) instead of the word "surrender"?  Perhaps it is because "surrender" can be a mental arrangement with the possibility of un-surrender later.  When one "surrenders", he merely does what is in his best interest at the time.  His heart might not be in it.  While it isn't easy to measure "surrender", it is easy to measure "forsaking." Either there has been a separation, a leaving, a distance or there has not.  You are over here now and what you left behind remains over there. The evidence (the gap) speaks for itself.

Have you merely "surrendered" to Jesus or have you actually forsaken things? Have your priorities been re-ordered?  What does it cost you to follow Jesus?

The One Thing (Mk. 10:21-22)

1.  There is one thing in your life.  And I don't mean Jesus.  What is it?  To identify it, track your money and calendar.  Monitor your effort, energy and conversation.  What are you protecting?

2.  The one thing, though not necessarily evil in itself, keeps you from following Jesus and progressing in discipleship.

3.  It is better to surrender the one thing now than to forfeit the ultimate thing (eternal life).

4.  You are emotionally connected to the one thing.  Emotion is both powerful and addictive.

Lessons from the Rich Young Ruler (Mt 19:16-22)

Thursday's reading was Matthew 18-19.

1. Eternal life is not earned by what you do, but once you have it your behavior should show it (cf. Eph 2:8-10).
2. God's goodness demands your obedience. The best response to God's goodness is your love. If you love Him, keep His commandments (Jn 14:15).
3. Obedience is incomplete without surrender. Similar to the rich young ruler, there are those today who exhibit external compliance without internal surrender. You don't have the luxury to receive eternal life and then live how you please. There must be total surrender (cf. Mt 6:21, 24).
4. Don't expect God to let you keep what you haven't given Him. The rich young ruler had money. He trusted in his money. So what did Jesus go after?