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Luke 14

Good Morning “Put God Firsters”, get a load of Luke 14

Towards the end of Chapter 13 Jesus talked about how narrow the door to Heaven actually is.  There is one way there and one way only - Jesus. We’re left still kind wondering how we know if we’re assured a ticket to Heaven.  If we’re easily deceived, and there will be those that think they’re all in, but find when they stand before Him that they were really clueless… how can I be sure which one I am?  

Jesus takes opportunity here to lay it out for the Disciples as well as the Pharisees.  “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.” Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Remember the cross symbolizes death.  He’s suggesting we must die to ourselves daily.  It’s all Him.  We were bought and paid for at The Cross.  It’s therefore reasonable that we give ourselves fully to Him, Rom 12:1. #1 Loving Him, #2 Loving others. Nothing in here about loving yourself.  

“Self Love” is among the latest movements in our culture.  Problem is… theres nothing in Scripture that jives with that concept.  Loving one’s self is assumed - “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  “No one ever hated his own body…”. “Love comes from God because He is Love”.  “Self Love” is simply man’s latest attempt to manufacture something for himself that can truly only come from God.  Plug into God- get enough Love for Him, yourself and anyone else.  But, loving yourself, or anyone else for that matter CANNOT come before Him!  That’s it!

You must HATE your family, your own life even… that’s a pretty harsh word HATE.  This passage was originally written in Greek.  The work used here is miséō.  In this case it literally means love or esteem less.  “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate (miséō, 'love less' than the Lord) his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple”

There it is!  He must truly be your #1.  Those aren’t just words - they must be reflected in actions!

Love you all!  Dig in!