Good Morning!

It looks like summer-like conditions will finally arrive this week. I’m looking forward to it!

Last time, we left off with each of us needing to make a decision whether or not we are willing to renounce all so that we might be a disciple of Jesus. This included family. As difficult as that might seem, it really isn’t a choice. The tragedy is that family often doesn’t join us. We see Jesus lamenting over this very thing.

Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

It’s clear we must let them go. We see this with the rich, young ruler who walked away from Jesus. Jesus let him go.

Matthew 10:21a And Jesus, looking at him, loved him,

Luke 18: 24a Jesus, looking at him with sadness,

This choice to follow whatever it is besides Jesus is tragic beyond comprehension. Even so, Jesus simply let him go. He didn’t scold him. He didn’t plead with him. He didn’t chase him down the street. Certainly, Jesus didn’t change the rules to accommodate him. Jesus simply let the young man decide for himself.

What Jesus DID do was love the young man.

So, no matter the circumstance, I must love my daughter, even if she may decide to forever forsake her Creator. Jesus gave me this as an example, and I must follow it.

Father, teach me. There is still yet more in this lesson. Amen.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers