Renouncing!

To renounce something (as the word is used in our English language) means to formally give up claim, title, position, or right to it. Such can be with regard to a particular belief found to be no longer true or an action no longer recognized as being right.

As Jesus addressed the subject of discipleship, He ended by stating. . .
"So therefore, any one of you who does not RENOUNCE ALL THAT HE HAS cannot be my disciple." ( Luke 14:33 ESV)

The Greek word translated "renounce" is "apotassetai" (from "apotasso") which signifies to say good-bye, bid farewell, or bid adeu to a person. Its primary meaning is "to set apart" or "separate" ("apo", from", and "tasso", to set or to arrange). In the passage above this word is rendered to forsake or to renounce. [source: W. E. Vine's expository dictionary of New Testament Words]

As long as other things or relationships (note Luke 14:26 and its parallel in Matthew 10:37) have a stronger attachment or draw in our life than the relationship with Jesus, we cannot be His disciples. He is the one to have SUPREME CLAIM to our life! Being called "Christians" means we are OF HIM! Wearing His Name means He has the SUPREME TITLE and POSITION in our life! When we consider our rights, we need to do so in relation to His Will rather than our own desires! As long as we fail to do this we will struggle in becoming the disciples (learners) we are to be.

Saying "good-bye" is not always easy. However, when it means saying "hello" to Jesus and His Will -- as we acknowledge the greater blessings we receive through that relationship -- it becomes easier. May we not allow anything or anyone to get in the way of following Him.

Have a great day LIVING A LIFE THAT ANNOUNCES THE SOVEREIGNTY OF JESUS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Discipleship