The Cost of Discipleship: A Journey of Surrender and Abundance

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matthew 15:45-46

The Cost of Discipleship: A Journey of Surrender and Abundance
Matthew 15:45-46 speaks of the disciples recognizing Jesus's authority and marveling at his teachings. This recognition, however, demands a response. True discipleship, the pursuit of holiness, inevitably involves a cost.

What has it cost you?
Have you truly surrendered to the Master's will? This surrender may require relinquishing deeply held desires, cherished possessions, or even comfortable routines. It may necessitate a radical shift in priorities, placing God's will above personal ambitions.

The Paradox of Loss and Gain
The good news is that this surrender, while demanding, is not a loss but an exchange. As we relinquish our hold on earthly treasures, we receive far greater riches – an intimate relationship with God, a deep and abiding peace, and a life overflowing with joy and purpose.

What are you truly seeking?
Often, we chase fleeting pleasures and superficial gratifications, mistaking them for true happiness. These leave us perpetually unsatisfied, yearning for something more.

Dig deeper into your soul.
What are you truly desiring from your relationship with God? Is it fame, fortune, or worldly success? Or is it something deeper – a genuine connection, a life lived in accordance with God's will, a love that transcends all earthly limitations?

The Ultimate Surrender
True discipleship requires a profound declaration of surrender: "Lord, you are worth everything to me." This is not merely lip service but a deep, heartfelt conviction that places God above all else – above family, career, possessions, and even our own desires.

Finding True Satisfaction
Until God becomes our ultimate desire, our hearts will remain restless and unfulfilled. When we reach this point of complete surrender, the sacrifices we make no longer feel like losses. They become joyful offerings, freely given to the One who has captured our hearts entirely.

In Conclusion:
The path of discipleship is a journey of surrender and transformation. It demands a willingness to let go of earthly attachments and embrace the divine. While this may seem costly initially, the ultimate reward is a life of abundant joy, peace, and fulfillment found in an intimate relationship with God.

-Pastor Bud Brabson