Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-35

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Whenever we look to buy something new, we must first make sure that we have the money to do so. It would be silly to walk into a store, grab an item, and head to the checkout if we didn’t first make sure we had the money to buy it. On a bigger scale, building projects are only undertaken after (sometimes) months of planning and preparation to make sure materials and funds are all in order. When buildings go unfinished, it becomes an embarrassment to those who built it.

Such is the analogy Jesus uses in our Gospel lesson. Faith has a cost. It’s not free. Before taking up the “building” of faith, we must count the cost. Make sure we have the ability to see it through to the end, lest it becomes an embarrassment to us. For faith requires us to give up everything we have. As Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple,” Luke 14:26. Family and friends cannot stand in the way of faith. Nor can our own life.

Simply put, the Christian life is not one of ease. We are blessed to live in a country that it can be counted as such, but that may not always be the case. For already in other countries, Christians are persecuted for their faith. Some are thrown into prisons, others are tortured and killed. In every instance, the cost is high. Persecution will always follow those of faith as to make life unbearable. 

We pray, therefore, that the pressures of life never become too much for us. We pray that we may keep the faith above all else, even in the face of death. After all, when one is confirmed in our Church, this is the exact vow they make. “Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?” Our allegiances to Christ should never be put behind any other. As Jesus says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple,” Luke 14:27.

Take up your cross, knowing Jesus has already taken up his. Realize that Jesus did not prize anything above his faith and devotion to his Father, above your salvation! Jesus despised his own family that he may teach and preach to all the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus despised even his own life so that he may lay it down upon the cross. Jesus gave up everything for you that you may have life! For so we come to realize that when we give up everything, we receive from Christ in greater abundance. For he comes to give you family through his gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation! Just as is written in Revelation, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life!” (Rev. 2:10). Take up your cross that in Christ, you may have eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!