Apr 12 Deuteronomy 16:21-22, Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18 Luke 14:15-35 Psalm 44:13-26
Deut 17:1
Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to him.
God wants a sacrifice without defect. This is a clear signpost to the one who would be the “lamb of God” and how Jesus would live His life. He’d be that perfect sacrifice – a lamb without blemish.
But also… there’s a lesson in here. Don’t give God second best. THat’s not honouring. In the book of Malachi, we hear God is displeased because they re offering sick animals, the ones they don’t want. Do you give God the best of you? If you are a living sacrifice, are you giving the best of you? Or are you giving God what’s left? The last minute planning? The poorly prepared times of devotion? He deserves the best – but not only that… He requires it.
Luke 14:25-27
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Just to be clear – Jesus is not suggesting that you should hate your family. This is not an excuse to isolate yourself from them and to dishonour them.
He even includes hating your own life in this section… which sounds awful.
But Jesus is talking about priorities. What’s more important to you? Your parents? Thats idolatry – put Jesus first. Your Wife and Children? Idolatry – Jesus must come first. Your own life? Again – Jesus must come first.
Following Jesus is a giving up of self – a giving up of everything about who you are. You cannot be a disciple of Jesus and love other things more. It just doesn’t work.
So before you say you want to follow Him… check first. Do you really? If you are not willing to give Him everything, then you are giving Him nothing. Sit down and count the cost. Don’t lay a foundation to say you will follow Him if you are not ready to deal with what that means.
He’s either everything to you, or nothing.
