(Read Matthew 10:34-39)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter. Our study has brought us to Matthew 10. For the past couple of days we have been looking at verses 34-39. I have talked about the conflict that is created when you are Born-Again and God begins to reveal His purpose to you. I told you the conflict the is both internal (from your own soul), and external (from your friends and family). Yesterday I focused on the internal conflict, today we go back to this passage to focus on external conflict created by the revelation of your divine purpose.
Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace. I came to bring trouble. I have come to make this happen:
‘A son will turn against his father. A daughter will turn against her mother. A daughter-in-law will turn against her mother-in-law. Even members of your own family will be your enemies.’
Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy of me. And those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy of me. Those who will not accept the cross that is given to them when they follow me are not worthy of me. Those who try to keep the life they have will lose it. But those who give up their life for me will find true life.”
So what does this mean to you today? A couple of things.
1. God’s call on your life is a free gift that comes with a high cost.
a) God has never required any less than ALL of you.
b) In Luke 9 a man walked up to Jesus and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus knew the man had no idea what he was signing up for. Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus was on a traveling mission and it meant that He and His team would spend weeks on the road, away from their families, all because of the call of God. The man counted the cost and turned back.
c) In Luke 9 Jesus looked at a man and said, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” This seemed like a sensible request. Most would think that Jesus would say, “Oh, I’m sorry. I did not know your father just died. Sure, go bury your father and then come join my team.” But no, that’s not what Jesus said. Jesus was so serious about the divine call that He said, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Are you that serious? Is the call that important to you?
d) In Luke 9 another man came up to Jesus and said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
e) God’s call is free, but it comes with a high cost and that cost is YOU.
2. Never put family or anyone else above God.
a) Jesus said, “A son will turn against his father. A daughter will turn against her mother. A daughter-in-law will turn against her mother-in-law. Even members of your own family will be your enemies.” Jesus was not playing around. He made it clear that God’s divine assignment for your life must take priority over everything and everyone.
b) If you are not giving God first place, then He is out of place in your life.
c) By the time you come to know Jesus a Lord most of your family members have grown accustomed to your old self. You then feel pressure from your friends and family members to remain the same, to remain your old “you”, even when you know God is calling you to a different reality. This is where you must place God above everyone else. Jesus said, “Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy of me. And those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy of me.”
d) Either Jesus is Lord OF ALL or He is not Lord AT ALL!
e) Where do you stand this morning? What place does God have in your life? What priority have you given Him and His call? Have you placed Jesus above mother and father? Have you placed Jesus above son and daughter? Have you placed Jesus above your friends? Have you placed Jesus above yourself? If not, then it’s time to repent. God called you by grace. The call is absolutely FREE, but accepting the call will cost you EVERYTHING!
f) Losing yourself in Jesus means you get to find your true self in Him and it is the best decision you could ever make!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You made plans for me before the world began. You made those plans by grace – completely unearned and undeserved. You then called me by grace, even when I was living a life NOT pleasing in Your sight. I answered the call. I accepted Jesus, Your Son, as my Lord. I know He must be Lord OF ALL or He is not Lord AT ALL. I declare that He is my Lord. I place Jesus and the call on my life above mother and father, son and daughter, brother and sister, family and friends. I place Jesus above myself. You have never required any less than ALL of me, and ALL of me is what You have. I die, so You can life through me. I decrease, so You can increase through me. I yield, so You can flow through me. My life is lived IN You and FOR You, because it is ALL ABOUT YOU! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
