As we choose to draw closer to God, it is common to experience some trepidation about how things will change for us.  

Early in my own walk with God, after receiving a message from Him on a highway of all places, I recorded these words in my journal:

“I think what makes me nervous about all of this is not being sure of the path I will walk, and who will walk with me. Help me to believe, and to not be afraid. And thank you for the angels You have already placed in my path.”

Jesus plainly tells us that to follow Him, we must be willing to place Him above all else in our lives:

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them He said, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.’” Luke 14: 25-27

These words recorded by St. Luke are so powerful. Educated as a physician in the Greek city of Antioch, which is part of modern-day Turkey, St. Luke is acknowledged by literature and archeology scholars alike as one of the top historians of his time. While some traditions espouse that Luke was a direct disciple of Jesus, others teach that Luke became a believer after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. However all agree that the precision and diligence of St. Luke in recording the history of Jesus is second to none, which makes this passage even more powerful.

Place yourself there in the scene that Luke describes:

The crowd is large and everyone is excited to be with Jesus. He proclaims to be the Son of God, as prophesied in the ancient texts of the Old Testament. With great authority and passion, Jesus teaches about the way to eternal life with God. When asked which of God’s commandments are the greatest, Jesus replies, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart; and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22: 34-40)

You are there in the crowd, talking with the others – Yes, we can do this. We can love God and love one another. This doesn’t seem too difficult. We’ve got this! Let’s follow Jesus!

But then Jesus turns around and walks up to you, having overhead your conversation. He calls you by name and looks you squarely in the eyes, and says – You cannot be my disciple unless you are willing to love Me more than every other person – and every other thing – in your life. So if your spouse or your parents or your friends ask you not to follow Me, you must be willing to disobey them. And if I ask you to sell all the treasures you cherish and donate that money to the poor, you must be willing to do that. Do you understand what I am asking you to do? I want you to put Me first in your life. Do you still want to follow Me?  

His words are emotionally charged because Jesus is trying to make a point – If you want to share in the Kingdom of Heaven, then Jesus must come first. Period.

Sensing your hesitation, Jesus’ eyes never leave yours. You cannot find your words and your mind is racing – What?! Wait a minute … What about my family? My job? What about what I want? I thought we just had to love God and each other. What?!

You step back from Jesus and say to Him – Let me think about this a little more.

Jesus looks away for a moment and turns back to you, His eyes filled with emotion. He says quietly – Always know how much I love you. He then disappears into the crowd.

After all these years of loving Him, I can still find myself standing back there in the crowd, hesitant to acknowledge what He is placing on my heart. The noise of the crowd can be deafening. But I call for Him and above the noise, I hear Jesus’ voice:

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41: 10) I am faithful and will not allow you to be tested beyond your strength. (1 Corinthians 10: 13) Keep your faith in Me and you will be able to love and to do the things that I am doing. In fact, you will do even greater things than these. (John 14: 12) My grace is sufficient for you; understand that My power is made perfect in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12: 9) So lay all your anxieties on Me because I care for you. (1 Peter 5: 7) Believe that whatever you ask of Me in prayer, it will be yours. (Mark 11: 24) Never, ever forget who you are. I have called you by name, and you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43: 1)

Following Jesus changes things for all of us, in ways big and small, every day of our lives. If we allow them to, these changes open our hearts and minds, enabling us to experience a fullness of life and love like nothing we have ever imagined.

Jesus loves us so much.

Pray for us, St. Luke, that we may always believe and trust in His Love.

“Having loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them [and continues to love with His Perfect Love] to the end [for all eternity]. John 13: 1