disciple, saturday

Saturday, October 3

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be willing to follow you completely—no ifs, ands, or buts.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Journal: Which of these three men can you relate to best?  What, if anything, keeps you from being “all in” with Jesus?  What is your definition of discipleship?  By that definition, how is it going for you?

Reflection:

 

     This is the story of three would-be disciples.  We know little to nothing about any of them, but each gives us great insight into what it means to truly follow Jesus.  Each clearly shows us that being a disciple is not something we can do lightly or casually, or even partially.  Each shows us that in true discipleship we do not get to call the shots.  We do not get to choose the criteria, or set the agenda, or determine the terms; that job belongs only to Jesus.  He is the one that sets the standard for what true discipleship really is—and his demands are pretty high.  He will not settle for only part-time allegiance.  He will not occupy any place but the top spot on our priority list.  He will not settle for just being one of many affections, he must be our first and truest affection.  He will either be Lord of all, or not at all.  He demands everything; no ifs, ands, or buts.  Thus, the call to be his disciple is a call to leave everything behind and follow him.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise.  I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me?  I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.  I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.  I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.  The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.  Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.  My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.  No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.  Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord. (Psalm 101:1-8)