Posted on August 25, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.”- Luke 18:22-23 (NKJV)
The cost of discipleship is no small matter to consider. Since my own deliverance from a lifestyle that never honored God, and my conversion to The Way, I’ve paid some pretty heavy dues. There is a list of those things that I’ve lost, but there’s really not much sense in sharing it because if God wanted those things to remain in my life, He would have allowed them to do so. Some things have definitely received their goodbyes and good riddances from me and as the others disappear from my sight in the rearview mirror, I’d say that, if the bill is gonna come due, then I’d rather settle my account with Jesus than taking a running leap into the lake of fire, but that’s just me.
Given that, it’s my hope that you haven’t come to Christ for the fire insurance policy only, ‘cos that won’t end well for you. However, if you take a look at the passage we see in Luke 9:57-62, we can see that while He was among us, Jesus did conduct an interview for potential disciples or “Talmids” as they were called in the Jewish community. Granted, many of us who did respond to the altar-call, did that with a genuineness of heart but were never really ready for the long haul. Had not God allowed me to get to the end of myself, and instead had interviewed me for the position of Talmid, my response may have been like the rich young ruler.
There are many great benefits in following Christ and the young men (in passage I mentioned from Luke) that encounter Jesus wanted to walk in the dust of this Rabbi. Who wouldn’t? As far as the regular folks were concerned, Jesus was meeting their needs without a problem or some condition placed upon, oh, sorry, there was a condition and it seemed difficult to many, “Follow Me.” When it came time to surrender all and actually take that walk in the dust of Jesus, these young men found their own conditions needed to be met first. That didn’t fly with Jesus.
“Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.’” – Luke 9:57
It’s funny how everybody wants to be on the team that’s winning but when they find out about the commitment it takes to be a winning team, they’ll start looking for exceptions. Like what we’re seeing in Luke 9:57-62. “I will follow You wherever you go” may seem like a statement containing a total dedication to following Jesus, but as this first interview goes with Jesus, He’ll point out that your personal needs are gonna be cast aside in order to be a Talmid of Christ. So, it looks like you’ll be making a home wherever you can and you’ll be missing a shower or two. Then Jesus will see someone and then say, “Follow Me” but then we’ll read that first vocal response of “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
Now the reply that Jesus shares may seem harsh, after all, how would you feel if the winningest Rabbi in the land has just said to you, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God”? You may be offended at first but the point Jesus is making is, whatever you consider to be your personal responsibilities in life are gonna have to fall by the wayside if you’re truly called to preach the Gospel Good News. And then lastly as Jesus says, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” we see that your own personal desires are to be non-existent. A straight, forward path with Jesus means that looking back for what once was will make you veer of course and be disqualified for Kingdom work.
We can be critical of Peter’s display of his little faith as he began to walk upon the water (Matthew 14:22-33) all we want but are you willing to be as obedient as he was when he challenged Jesus, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” only to have Jesus accept that challenge and says to Peter “Come”? For me, storms, boats, and water are a scenario for disaster but not for those who are obedient to respond to the call first, because they know that Jesus is their life preserver.
So, in closing, let’s consider the words of Psalm 95: 7c-8, “Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness.’”
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This:“The road to faith passes through obedience to the call of Jesus. Unless a definite step is demanded, the call vanishes into thin air, and if men imagine that they can follow Jesus without taking this step, they are deluding themselves like fanatics.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!