Whom Do You Serve?
The cost of discipleship
Peggy was faced with a dilemma. Her mother died several months prior. She had already been to the memorial service, helped pack her mother’s things, and returned home. A date was set to bury her ashes, but Peggy received a request. A friend needed her help at the same time as the burial of her mom’s ashes.
Peggy had to make a decision.
Luke tells the story of a man who also faced a dilemma. What would he choose?
Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:57-60, NKJV)
I remember the first time hearing this scripture and thinking, wow! Jesus seemed as if He was being excessively harsh. After all, shouldn’t one be allowed to bury their loved one? But then, I recall Peggy.
Peggy’s friend was going through difficult times. She desperately needed help. Several people in her friend’s family also needed the Lord. What would Peggy do?
Peggy knew the Lord, so she was not surprised when Jesus quietly asked her to follow Him.
Peggy could bury her mother, who was already with the Lord, or she could represent the Kingdom of God by showing His love. Peggy knew what Christ wanted.
Peggy chose to serve Christ by serving others.
The man in the scripture wanted to bury his father. It does not seem like an exorbitant request. However, we do not know the circumstances. Was his father sick and on his deathbed, or was he just elderly, and the man wanted to stay with him until his death? We do not know.
It’s so easy to make excuses not to follow Jesus.
Peggy’s story helped me understand that Jesus’ words were not harsh. Through His mercy, Jesus was concerned that people would find peace from their guilt and shame. He wanted people to come to Him and claim victory and security in His kingdom. His abundant life was there for the taking by just following Him.
Jesus’ actions were never cruel but always rooted in His unfailing love.
Salvation is free, but choosing to be a disciple of Christ involves a cost. Are we willing to pay that cost? We may have to give up something or step out of our comfort zone to show Christ’s love to others.
Ask yourself, “Whom do I serve?”
