Loving God, you call us to come and follow, but you also ask us to count the cost. Guide us by your Holy Spirit this day, that we might also know the depth of your love for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

... God? ... Is that you speaking? ... Wow! I’m so glad that you’re here today! ... Well, yes, I know that you’re always here, but I don’t always hear you speaking like this! ... You’re right, Lord. I do have some questions. ... I don’t understand how Jesus could ever have any disciples after today’s gospel! ... Well, how many people are going to want to give up all their possessions and hate their families and carry the cross? Isn’t that all a little bit harsh? ... Hmm. What do I think people should have to do? Well, what about believing in Jesus? – Isn’t that important? ... What does it mean to believe in Jesus? – Doesn’t it mean confessing that Jesus is Lord? ...

Hmm. How do I live as if Jesus is Lord? – Well, I would worship him, right? ... And – I would obey him. ... Hmm. What does obeying him mean? – Well, he taught people to love, right? ... Well – to love everybody and to love you. ... Hmm. Yes - everybody does include more than just my family. ... Hmm. Could you say that again? ... What if my family doesn’t want me spending time loving other people or loving you? ... Well, I guess I’d have to listen to Jesus rather than my family. ... Oh. I see. Following Jesus always needs to take priority, even if my family thinks otherwise. But why would Jesus say to hate them? ... You said it’s not hate as we understand it? ... Oh. It’s detaching ourselves, or loving them less than we love Jesus. ... Okay. I think I understand.

But what about this carrying the cross? Does that mean we’ve all got to suffer and be crucified? ... Oh. Whew! I thought Jesus’ suffering and death must have counted for something! ... Well, yes. I’m very grateful for what Jesus went through for us. ... And yes, I understand that many people have suffered and died over the years because they followed Jesus. But what does it really mean for us? ... Really! I can’t believe that so many people would misunderstand. I’ve always heard people say, “This must just be my cross to bear.” ... Well, no, Lord. I don’t think you’re the kind of God who would just impose suffering on people. ... Hmm. A cross is not imposed – it’s something you take up voluntarily. ... No, Lord. I guess I haven’t heard what happened when people carried their crosses through town. ... Hmm. Ridicule and taunting. That doesn’t sound like much fun, either! ...

Okay. So let me see if I’ve got this straight. – To take up your cross means to expose yourself to ridicule because you follow Jesus. ... And in some cases, it might even mean that you have to suffer because of your faith. ... Well, I’m relieved that we’re not talking about crucifixion here, but it still doesn’t sound terribly inviting to come and be a disciple! ... Well - no - I know it takes sacrifice and commitment, but it still sounds a little extreme to me. ... Hmm. Yes - it is a matter of life and death. I can see that. ... Yes. I can see how Jesus gave absolutely everything for us. ... Hmm. Love you above all else. – There is just so much that gets in the way! ... Yes - I suppose that is what Jesus was getting at. We’ve got so many other things that we want to put first. ...

Yeah - speaking of possessions, did Jesus really mean that bit about giving up all of them? ... Well - yes, I do know that the Scriptures say that in more than one place. ... Why? – Well, I suppose because possessions get in the way, too. ... Yes - that’s true. If I gave away most of what I have I would still have more than enough. ... I see. Then my focus would be in the right place. ... So, in other words my focus would be on you instead of on all the stuff that I have. ... Well - yes - I do believe that you provide for those who serve you. ... Ah - so it’s a matter of where my trust is! If I’m trusting you then I don’t need to hoard a whole bunch of stuff. ... But do you really think that people will come and be disciples if they know they’ve got to give up some of these earthly attachments? Wouldn’t you get more followers by offering a free gift or something? ... Oh. Salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. Yes, that is a pretty amazing free gift. ... Sorry, Lord. I just don’t always think in the right terms. ... Thank you, Lord. I’m glad you know me through and through. You must know then, too, how difficult all of this sounds for me. ...

Impossible? It’s intended to be impossible? But why would you call us to do something that you know is impossible? ... Yes, I remember hearing that: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk. 1:37). ... I think I’m beginning to see. We can’t do it on our own. We can’t possibly be committed enough or good enough. We need to learn to rely on your Holy Spirit. ... Hmm. Yes, Lord. I guess it is true that even the first disciples couldn’t quite be faithful all the way to the end. ... Ah. It was later that they received the Holy Spirit. ... So it is possible, but only if we rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and power. I see.

Lord, there’s one part that we haven’t talked about yet. ... Yes - the tower builder and the king waging war. I get it that they need to count the cost before they start, but what does that have to do with us? ... Okay. I think that makes sense. – As a church there might be building projects or battles that are simply too costly. – I can see where that would be true. ... Me personally? I would need to count the cost? ... Of course. I need to ask myself if discipleship is worth it or not. ...

Hmm. Is it worth it? – Well, I was wondering that after today’s gospel. But, as you already said, it really is a matter of life and death. – Then there are the gifts of salvation and forgiveness and eternal life. I’m not so sure I would want to live without those! ... True. I guess I wouldn’t really live – at least, not for long! ... I guess for me the clincher is Jesus. I look at the love that he showed and how he gave himself for us. I look at the changed lives of those who have followed him. Why wouldn’t I love him in return and give as much as I possibly could? Why wouldn’t I try to learn from him and follow him? ... Yes, I do remember that part – It’s impossible, right? ... That’s why I’m glad you’ve given your Holy Spirit!

Thank you for this conversation, Lord. Please help me to keep learning. Amen.

Lectionary 23(C) Luke 14:25-33
September 9, 2007
St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore

(c) 2007 Lynne Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved