Luke 14:15-35
Monday, 18 July 2022
“Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?” -Luke 14:34
Parables and examples from the immediate surrounding were a norm followed by Jesus to bring truth to the hearers. It remained with them and was reminded about them all the time when they saw those examples around them. For example, while we see the lily in the valley, we remember how Jesus spoke about God's care for His children and how we need to hand over all the burdens to Him, because he cares for us. While a wind blows we remember His words to Nicodemus about rebirth and we have much to praise Him for giving us the same experience. The Apostles followed suit and imitated the Master using common day examples; in other words, truth is spoken plainly for the hearer to understand and grasp it. He intended His hearers to hear and follow it, not to be hearers alone.
As we read today’s portion; we see three different thoughts put forward by the Lord in one single stroke of the Master painter. 1. The Great Banquet 2. The Cost of Discipleship 3. Saltiness of a Christian.
At the outset, we may think the above thoughts are really not connected with one another-but in fact they are all connected! First, we have the invitation to heaven, then we have our path explained by the Master and thirdly we have the character of those who will make it to eternity finally.
It is not enough to receive an invitation and stay on thinking that somehow we may reach the shore of eternity. Many Christians foolishly think the same— they forget to their own ruin that there is a cost to pay in being a disciple of Christ. Nothing should deter us on our way, may it be any relationships or even putting aside our own selfish interest or our own very life, for following Jesus Christ (Vs.25-33). This is the real teaching of the Lord. Many take it as an easy ride and follow their own ways and fail utterly in their Christian walk.
But this alone is not enough; unless the right step put forward in the right direction is not in the right attitude, it is of no use! Salt (Vs.34-35) represents the character of a Christian to be Christ-like. We need to have Christ-like character to go through this narrow path. Many followed Moses in the wilderness journey; they did not make it till the end to enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb made till Canaan. This is a great lesson from the Old Testament.
Let us be careful to cultivate the Christian character in us, so that as we choose the narrow path of suffering and sacrifice, we will ultimately gain on the last day. As we go through the many experiences in life, the fire of suffering, let the saltiness in us be that which will bring the taste of heaven in others. It is required of us that we go through the trials of life with much joy. 1Peter 4:12-13[NLT]: “Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
To sum it up from our reading today: we are saved by Christ Jesus and asked by God to lead a surrendered life with Christ-like character in our lives!
Thought for the Day: "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)