There was a movie when I was young called Private Benjamin. Goldie Hawn was a rich girl who joined the Army, and the humor in the film is based around the fact she has no idea what she has gotten herself into. She asks if she can sleep in one day and asks for a uniform in a different color that looks better on her. It is humorous to us because we all know that joining the army is not a picnic. Even those of us who have never served realize good and well that when a person signs his or her name on the line, Uncle Sam has a clear cut set of expectations. The recruiters may talk about the great benefits, but they also tell you clearly that you are turning your life over to a larger cause.
In the latter part of Luke chapter nine, Jesus tells everyone up front what the expectations are for joining his crew. He tells one guy, “Look, we won’t be staying in the best hotels.” Another guy does not ask for much, he says, “I’d like to join as soon as I bury my father.” In his reply Jesus is not trying to be mean; he is just being clear. He tells the guy in no uncertain terms that joining his army means a surrender of personal freedom.
The United States military asks for this surrender of personal freedom because they realize it is required for them to accomplish their mission and be effective. Perhaps Jesus’ warnings are rooted in similar concerns for organizational effectiveness…but in a larger sense they are not sacrifice for the sake of effectiveness in the same way that most organizations and businesses require. Jesus, as the maker and crafter of the human machine, the maker of life, knows what is required for true life, and he has come to put together an organization that allows for people to truly live. He is a good and honest recruiter: he does not soft sell it; he speaks clearly and directly.
Today we look at some tough language from Jesus, and we look at the amazing opportunity for life that comes for those of us willing to listen and submit to his requirements.
In the latter part of Luke chapter nine, Jesus tells everyone up front what the expectations are for joining his crew. He tells one guy, “Look, we won’t be staying in the best hotels.” Another guy does not ask for much, he says, “I’d like to join as soon as I bury my father.” In his reply Jesus is not trying to be mean; he is just being clear. He tells the guy in no uncertain terms that joining his army means a surrender of personal freedom.
The United States military asks for this surrender of personal freedom because they realize it is required for them to accomplish their mission and be effective. Perhaps Jesus’ warnings are rooted in similar concerns for organizational effectiveness…but in a larger sense they are not sacrifice for the sake of effectiveness in the same way that most organizations and businesses require. Jesus, as the maker and crafter of the human machine, the maker of life, knows what is required for true life, and he has come to put together an organization that allows for people to truly live. He is a good and honest recruiter: he does not soft sell it; he speaks clearly and directly.
Today we look at some tough language from Jesus, and we look at the amazing opportunity for life that comes for those of us willing to listen and submit to his requirements.
Mark
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