August 14It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? — Matt. 10:25.
However graciously stated, the Truth is a sword which penetrates in every direction, and which as our Lord foretold, frequently sets parents against children and children against parents, because the darkness hates the light and opposes it in every possible manner. In view of the Lord's teachings regarding this subject, and of how the wisest presentation of it may be ultimately misconstrued, it behooves everyone who would serve the Truth faithfully to be as careful as possible not to be misunderstood; to let it be clearly understood that we neither participate in nor advocate anarchy of any kind; but on the contrary, are standing for righteousness and the highest of laws, the Divine law—Z '03, 13 (R3130). It is indeed from every standpoint enough that the pupil be as his Teacher and the servant as his Master. It is honor enough, dignity enough, reward enough, distinction enough, approval enough and recommendation enough from the Teacher and Master to the pupil and servant. What more desirable thing suitable to our sojourn in the flesh could we seek than treatment like our Lord's? If this brings us ridicule, slander, excommunication, expatriation, violence even unto death, we should congratulate ourselves that we are being honored in being accorded treatment similar to our Lord's. Let us be glad and rejoice in the goodly fellowship into which this introduces us, as well as in the goodly inheritance to which it leads us—P '30, 109. Parallel passages: Matt. 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 6:40; 11:15; John 8:48, 52; 17:14; 13:16; 15:20; 2 Tim. 3:12; 2:11, 12; Acts 14:22; 1 Pet. 2:19-24. Hymns: 167, 168, 170, 322, 299, 325, 326. Poems of Dawn, 40: The Cost of Discipleship. Tower Reading: Z '09, 154 (R 4398). Questions: Have I this week suffered reviling for loyalty to the Lord? How did I bear it—as an honor and privilege, or as a disgrace and a burden? What helped or hindered therein? |
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THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
LUKE 9:23.
WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again:
Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain?
Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame,
And live but to honor My cause and My name?
Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth,
And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth,
Despising earth's riches, and living to bless?
Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?
Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men?
Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again?
Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs
Who've watched for your falling, who've set for you snares?
When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise,
The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes?
Can ye come out to meet Me, whate'er the cost be,
Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?
When I call, can ye turn and in gladness "come out"
From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?
With naught but My promise on which to rely,
Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?
Yea, we'll take up the cross and in faith follow Thee
And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be.
Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly;
Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.
LUKE 9:23.
WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again:
Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain?
Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame,
And live but to honor My cause and My name?
Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth,
And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth,
Despising earth's riches, and living to bless?
Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?
Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men?
Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again?
Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs
Who've watched for your falling, who've set for you snares?
When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise,
The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes?
Can ye come out to meet Me, whate'er the cost be,
Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?
When I call, can ye turn and in gladness "come out"
From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?
With naught but My promise on which to rely,
Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?
Yea, we'll take up the cross and in faith follow Thee
And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be.
Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly;
Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.
