“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ ” (Luke 14:34-35)
Wait a minute. Wasn’t Jesus just talking about the cost of following him as a disciple? Now he’s talking about salt. Is my Bible set on shuffle? Nope, he seems to be finishing his thought about counting the cost of following him (everything) before taking the next step. He’s not looking for short-term commitments.
Most of the salt in Jesus’ time and region came from the Dead Sea and went through a process of purification. If that process failed, the salt went bad and became worthless. The buyers’ investment was wasted, and he had to get rid of a load of useless salt.
Jesus’ last word for listening ears was this: Don’t be like a giant, wasted pile of unsalty salt. Either follow me or don’t. But don’t start in the heat of this moment and turn back, wasting your usefulness to me. If you’re coming, forget about Plan B’s and exit strategies. Plan to follow me all the way.
Think: How often do you think of Jesus speaking this abruptly about being his disciple? How often do you think about the commitment you have—or haven’t—made to follow him?
Pray: Thank God for Jesus’ abrupt and honest words about following as his disciple. Ask him to help you to make that commitment carefully—but fully.
Do: In a sentence or two, write down what commitment you have made to follow Jesus with your life.