Dare to be a Disciple

No Excuses (English) 9.10.23

Pastor Dave Bostedt
Excuses, excuses. You have known people like that who always have an excuse for everything. What teacher has not heard countless excuses for incomplete or missing homework. How easily do excuses come when the boss gives that stare to the late employee. Excuses are quickly made for our own behavior which we would not tolerate in others. Jesus has no time for excuses. He does not want to hear them. It may sound harsh and uncaring, but Jesus doesn’t want a half-hearted follower. He wants our whole heart, devoted to him in learning and service. He wants our undivided attention. If we are to be a disciple, then we follow Jesus without excuses.
Sunday, September 10, 2023

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Dare to be a Disciple

Have you ever wondered how many people Jesus approached and said, “Follow me”? Remember those he called as he walked along the Sea of Galilee? The brothers Peter and Andrew heard and accepted his invitation leaving their fishing nets. Shortly after James and John walked away from their father in his boat to walk with Jesus. Not everyone was so eager to be a disciple of Jesus. The rich young man was curious to be with Jesus until he was told he needed to sell all his possessions. Another could not walk away from family without saying good bye. There is a cost involved with following Jesus. The Savior is aware of the challenges being a student of the Master Teacher brings. He often explained the hardships, hostility, and even hatred his students would encounter. Yet he continued to say, “Follow me.” In the weeks ahead Jesus invites us to do just that and dare to be his disciple.