Luke 14:26-27
We are back now to a disciple-making church. We’ll spend some time on qualities people not in church notice about such churches. The 1st being a heart for Christ alone.
Jesus’ words here are rarely preached. Why? Duh! No preacher wants to offend. For a committed Christian, the issue is not, “am I offended,” but “is God offended?”
Luke uses the word “hate” here, the strongest form of the meaning “put into lesser importance”. That is what the Greek root is about. We do things backwards. To love our family best, we need the love of Christ more. To help those we care about the most, we must entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. What do we do instead? Our best, then ask for help.
So then, we are not following God, but wanting God to follow our plan! His plan for all is for good. Follow Him.
Now, about that cross. We made it into whatever condition or trial we have. That was NEVER the intent of the Word of God. The cross is that passionate love for God and humanity that goes to any length to exist and be accepted. Just like Jesus did. The cross is the call of God who expects our lives to be holy offerings to the situations of our world. Just like Jesus.
Get the idea? Loving Jesus makes all the difference!
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