Living a Committed Life #2
In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus reminds us of the conditions for discipleship. Before we decide whether we will seek to meet these conditions for discipleship, Jesus encourages us to think things through carefully. There will be a cost to following Him. It may not be easy or comfortable. If the cost seems too much, stop now. Don’t even begin the journey. This is serious business. Billy Graham said, “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you everything you have.”
Jesus concludes with a parable about salt. The salt he mentions is not table salt, but a salty mixture of various minerals. It was used for fertilizer in the fields or in the compost piles to hasten decomposition. If this mineral mixture became wet, the valuable minerals were leached out with the water, leaving behind a gravel mixture of little use. Jesus’ intent is to remind us that we are saved to be disciples while we have time on this earth. If we don’t fulfill our intended purpose, we are not useful.
William Borden graduated from high school in 1904 and for a graduation gift, his father sent him on a trip around the world with a chaperone. The elder Borden, founder of the Borden milk and dairy business, gave the young man a Bible to read as he traveled, hoping that it would inspire him as he prepared for college. During his world trip, William heard the call of God to give up his promising business career and preach the gospel. He wrote two words in the front of his Bible, “ No reserves! ”
William entered Yale University where he was greatly influenced by Samuel Zwemer to think about the Muslim world. William sensed that God was calling him to work with the Muslims of China. He told his family that he would not be returning to the family business after Yale, but instead would give his life to reaching Muslims for Christ. He added two more words to the front of his Bible, “ No retreats! ”
After Yale and seminary, William arrived in Egypt to study Arabic in preparation for his ministry to Muslims. Within a year after his arrival, he contracted cerebral meningitis and died shortly thereafter at the age of 26. His mother went to Egypt to collect William’s personal affects, one of which was his Bible. It was then that she noticed two additional words penned in the front, “ No regrets! ”
No reserves; No retreats; No regrets! That is the commitment of a disciple of Jesus.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 