Everything

"You must give up everything you have to follow me," Luke 14:33.

Who said this? Jesus did. Who was he talking to? The large crowds that went along with him. Jesus went on to say: If you don't, you cannot be my follower! Wow. These are tough words. Not tough to understand - they're pretty plain. So, what's Jesus doing here? Jesus separates out his disciples from people who're just there because it's the popular thing to do. Jesus does not call people to a cause (though there is one). Jesus does not call people to take over the government (though there is another). Jesus calls people to take up their own crosses to follow him. Crosses. And follow him. Serious business. Not your everyday religion. Sky kingdom.

We make time today to meet a brother or sister, remembering Jesus is Lord. And, together, we give thanks for the honor of giving up all to follow him into the sky.