We all know brethren who have followed family members out of the church, never to return. If ever there is a time flooded with a sense of hopelessness it is that. You would think that the fear of the fires of hell would make them think twice—but tragically, not so!
Jesus’ stark warning is for all:
“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Lk.14:26).
In simple terms Jesus’ message is: Family cannot come between the Christian and the Lord; no matter what!
Most Christians silently reserve these words for the fanatics among us. Even the thought of going off to Church and leaving family or guests behind is considered anathema to many. But fear not, using the word “hate” had already been enough for them to dismiss the subject as Jesus’ attempt to “exaggerate for effect.”
Jesus is not going out of his way to be unfeeling and insensitive. He is not playing word games. What he is doing is demanding undivided loyalty. He is calling everyone to count THIS cost of discipleship—It’s either FAMILY or ME!
Our nearest and dearest enjoy powerful positions in our lives. God has put us under obligation to love and nurture those in our care. It is taken for granted that they have rights and privileges, and that without thought, they put forth demands expecting you to accommodate them.
Jesus is not about to line up to take his turn. “He is Lord of all, or not at all!”
Jesus is the Eternal God. Putting anything or anyone before him is idolatry. Our love for him is hate for anything that gets between us.
John Staiger