Dr D.K Olukoya

TOPIC: Those Who Cannot Be Jesus’ Disciple (Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Sunday, 27 May 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Luke 14: 25-33

MEMORY VERSE:
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

The MESSAGE:

For you to get admission, employment and even promotion, institutions and organisations usually set qualifications. What this means is that, anyone who does not have the qualification cannot have admission, the employment or the promotion. Similarly, in our Fire Scripture (Luke 14:25-33) of today, Jesus repeated the phrase “cannot be my disciple” three times. Jesus is warning us of things that will disqualify us from being His disciples. Who are the people who cannot be Jesus’ disciples? Jesus Himself identified them as follows:

First, Jesus said that anyone who does not hate his father and mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters as well as his own life could not be His disciple (Luke 14:26). These words and demand of Jesus do not mean that we should dislike, neglect and dishonour our family. In fact, the Ten Commandments tell us to honour our father and mother. What Jesus meant is that He must come first in our hearts, priorities and affairs. Does Jesus occupy the first position in your life and affairs? Are you tied to your father, mother and spouse’s apron strings so much that the Lord and kingdom affairs are secondary in your routine? If you place your parents, spouse, siblings ahead of Jesus, you are not qualified to be His disciple. There are many people today who love their career more than Jesus. Since they got their dream jobs, their attendance in church programmes has dropped, and their love for the Master and the church has gone cold.

Second, Jesus declared that whoever does not bear his cross and come after Him could not be His disciple. Discipleship has a cost and a reward. To carry your cross and follow Jesus means to be willing to sacrifice anything (even your life) and pay any price for being His disciple. Jesus never said following Him would be easy. In fact, He said just the opposite. Notice here that Jesus does not encourage the crowd with flowery words and promises of ease and happiness. He points them to the cross and the cost of following Him. The cross is a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Anyone who is not willing to suffer for Christ’s and His gospel’s sake and sacrifice all things, and if need be, their lives, cannot be His disciple. Are you willing to forgo your comfort and life for Christ’s sake? There is nothing like easy discipleship.

Lastly, Jesus said that anyone who is not prepared to forsake all that he or she has, could not be His disciple (Luke 14:33). Mark 10:17-22 contains the account of the rich, young ruler who went to Jesus and asked what he could do to gain eternal life. He assured Jesus that he had observed the Ten Commandments from His youth. Then Jesus told him, “Go and sell whatsoever you have, and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross and follow me.” The Bible says that the man became sad and grieved because he had great possessions. This story reveals that many people cannot be Jesus’ disciples because of the deceitfulness of their riches. They have enthroned Mammon and worldly allurements in their hearts. Lot’s wife is a good example of such individuals. Against God’s clear instruction, she looked back at Soddom and Gomorrah; she could not take the beautiful earthly possessions, trinkets and jewellery and fine clothes out of her mind. She became a pillar of salt. That is why Jesus said to you and me: “Remember Lot’s wife!” Is there anything you cannot let go for Jesus? Those who cannot forsake all cannot be Jesus’ disciples. In the light of these parameters, beloved, examine yourself and consider if you are a disciple of Jesus.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
Those who cannot forsake all cannot be Jesus’ disciples.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Power not to deny Christ when it matters most is coming upon you now.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. My Father help me to follow You to the end, in the name of Jesus.
2. O Lord, give me the grace to follow You at all times, in the name of Jesus.
3. Powers that want me to deny my Saviour, what are you waiting for? Die, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. Holy Spirit, empower me to bear the cross set before me daily, in the name of Jesus.
5. I will not deny my Saviour, in the name of Jesus.
6. Fire power for exploits, come upon me now, in the name of Jesus.
7. Lord Jesus, order my steps in Your word, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.