Thoughts for the Day:
OK. Now it gets serious. In today's passage, Jesus draws a line in the sand to see who will truly walk across and be his disciple.
If you put possessions, property, even family members above Jesus, you cannot be his disciple. I think this is when Jesus' fan club starts to thin out.
But then he reminds us to "count the cost". Do the math, so to speak. Take all your accomplishments. Add in your bank account and earthly possessions. Also, add in your relationships with family and friends. Now SUBTRACT anything that you can't take with you when your earthly life is over. Hmmm, that would be most everything...
Verse 33: "Any of you who does not give up everything cannot be my disciple." How do you respond to this verse?
Thems got ears let them hear.
Thems got eyes let them see.
Fasting Update:
In a (very)small way, I experienced the conflict that Jesus alludes to in verse 26. Yesterday was Elizabeth's birthday. I was not able to take her out to dinner because of my fast. I feel bad about that. Tonight I will be cooking dinner for her...but somehow, that's just not the same as going to a nice restaurant to celebrate.
Fortunately, Elizabeth understands my Lenten commitment. There will certainly be a time for us to celebrate and go out to eat. But now is a time to fast and focus on a Messiah who is inching closer and closer to the cross.
All the best to you as you continue your fast and observation of Lent!
-Kelly

Flashback Picture for the Day