Sabbath Thought - Forsake All

Have you ever had a "once in a lifetime" opportunity? By definition such an opportunity comes only once and then it is gone. Sadly, too many times, we usually only recognize these types of opportunities after they are gone. No matter the physical opportunities we may have taken - or even missed - you and I are a part of God's Church because of an opportunity being offered to each of us by Him. God is offering son-ship in His family for eternity!

In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus Christ makes the point that in order to be a true disciple, we must be willing to forsake everything else. Part of making the most of an opportunity is to count the cost. Modern business calls this ROI - return on investment. Do I have the means to finish what I begin? Is the outcome worth investing in, and sacrificing for, now? Can you imagine being one of the first to invest in Coca-Cola, General Motors, Microsoft or Amazon? Of all of the billions of people on earth, how many has God called at this time to be a part of His Work? But it is not just the "odds" of being called, it is the opportunity to be a part of a world changing process now that the rest of the world will not have until much later. The greatest opportunity given to us is the calling of being a First-fruit! That is already a reality for us (Galatians 3:26).

Jesus also said in Luke 14:26 that we are to "hate" others in order to be His disciple. The Greek word there can also mean to love less (by comparison). Do we love Christ above all else? Have we forsaken everything else that may be put before our relationship with Jesus Christ? In verse 27 we are then told that each of us must take up our own cross. The Greek word there is stauros (stow-ros'), and it means a stake or post (as set upright), that is, (specifically) as an instrument of capital punishment. Figuratively it means exposure to death, or self-denial. Then in verse 33 we are told to forsake all. The Greek word for "forsake" is "apotassomai" (ap-ot-as'-som-ahee). It literally means to say good-bye (by departing or dismissing); figuratively it means to renounce or bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away. Do we love less by comparison family or friends when compared to the love we are to have for God? Are we willing - truly willing - to possibly give up our physical life if it means staying true to Jesus Christ? Are we willing and able to walk away from anything in this life that might pull us away from living God's way of life?

In 1 Peter 4:17, Peter reminds the faithful that this opportunity to be a First-fruit can involve suffering, but also involves being judged for salvation now. Being the first in most notable things is not easy - the critics don't believe it can be done, people uncomfortable with change will disparage the person, friends and family might even distance themselves so they don't receive the harsh treatment as well. But God will not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We know that Christ will not forsake us, but will we forsake Christ (Romans 8:35-39)?

The coming Day of Pentecost pictures the giving of God's Holy Spirit to His Church - His called-out ones. Through His spirit we have already become His sons and daughters in His family. Those things also should remind us of the need to forsake all else. We are to be learning to not let anything in this life come before our relationship with Him and the Father. Will we forsake all in order to live up to our calling? Will we forsake all in order to live in eternity with God? We have been giving a great opportunity to be a part of God's family now.

May we remember that as we come before God on the Day of Pentecost, and also until this day is fulfilled in each and every one of our lives.

I wish you a very meaningful Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

1 June, 2024