Association Fees
January 30
Passing through a room in the house, where the television was tuned into the HGTV channel, there was a home buying show on and I heard the gentleman looking for a house inquire, "What are the association fees?"
Do those same thoughts cross the minds of individuals contemplating a relationship with Christ?
They certainly did for the disciples. The Message states in John 6:60-67, which is titled
"Too Tough to Swallow"
Many among his disciples heard this and said, "This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow." Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, "Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Song of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this." (Jesus knew from the start that some weren't going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, "This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father."
After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: "Do you also want to leave?"
Jesus was honest that there are costs to following him, but also some eternal perks!
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of light." John 8:12
Jesus answered him, Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
Let's be honest with ourselves. Are we willing to pay the association fees that come with a life lived boldly for Christ or do we look for the places to live that don't cost as much?
Passing through a room in the house, where the television was tuned into the HGTV channel, there was a home buying show on and I heard the gentleman looking for a house inquire, "What are the association fees?"
Do those same thoughts cross the minds of individuals contemplating a relationship with Christ?
They certainly did for the disciples. The Message states in John 6:60-67, which is titled
"Too Tough to Swallow"
Many among his disciples heard this and said, "This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow." Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, "Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Song of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this." (Jesus knew from the start that some weren't going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, "This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father."
After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: "Do you also want to leave?"
Jesus was honest that there are costs to following him, but also some eternal perks!
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of light." John 8:12
Jesus answered him, Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
Let's be honest with ourselves. Are we willing to pay the association fees that come with a life lived boldly for Christ or do we look for the places to live that don't cost as much?
