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Surrendered Lives
Luke 9:57-62

​     Today’s scripture reminds me of a suspenseful scene from the 1992 version of James Fenimore Cooper’s “Last of the Mohicans”.  French General Monsieur le Marquis Montcalm removed his plumed hat and bowed low before his opponent, the British Colonel Munro. The Englishman responded with a stiff nod. French mortars had  been pounding the British in Fort William Henry for days, and General Montcalm had called a meeting to ask for the surrender of the British.
     The scene was awash with the pageantry of war. Across the landscape you could see the immaculate blue and gold uniforms of the French and the red and gold ones that designated the British. The drummers were drumming and each country‘s flag snapped in the wind as the two leaders walked toward each other.   Every soldier’s heart was beating fast in anticipation. 
     The French general had the advantage that day.  His scouts had intercepted a British messenger bound for Fort William Henry, and in it he’d read the intended message for Munro: “We have no men available to send to your rescue.  You are advised to seek terms for your surrender.”
     The shocked Munro had no choice but to await Montcalm’s terms, which were as follows:  “None of your men will see the inside of a prison barge. They are free to depart so long as they pledge to return to England and fight no more on this continent. And the civilian militia you gathered must return to their farms and live peaceably.”  When Munro asked whether they could keep their arms Montcalm replied “They may leave the fortress fully armed.”  Then Munro asked “My colors?”   Montcalm answered “Carry them back to England to your king with pride.”
     Such were the terms of the British surrender to the French. This all took place in a day and time when generals wore powdered wigs and drank from silver tea services in the field of battle.  What Britain’s Colonel Munro learned on that historic day was that surrender does not always lead to death. It can, quit unexpectedly, lead to life! (taken from Signs of Life by Dr. David Jeremiah, page 95-96)
     In today’s Scripture lesson Jesus was looking for disciples willing to surrender themselves; in exchange they would receive new life and be used to help others find the same.  But it started with a choice to unconditional surrender.  Would you say that your life is unconditionally surrendered to Jesus Christ?
     There were three men who were interested in following Jesus;  they counted the cost but found it too high. They shrink back when the sacrifices were described to them. In the conversation with the first man, Jesus said his followers needed to accept that they would have no earthly security. They’d need to give up having a permanent home and be willing to travel for the cause of God‘s kingdom. Such a requirement usually means traveling to new communities at intervals over a lifetime.
     This remains the reality for many clergy and most missionaries.  We and our families relinquish permanent roots, putting the needs of others in Christ's church before our own.  It is likely that during my ministry my family and I will live in seven or eight different communities.  My children have already attended numerous schools, changed pediatricians, dentists, downtowns and toughest of all  we’ve changed homes. We are excellent at packing and are used to being newcomers.  My spouse is fortunate he can work from home; many spouses struggle to find new work, especially in rural areas or if they have specialized skills.  But there is something that emerges as a constant for traveling servants of Christ.  While everything around us changes, what emerges as constant - sustaining us - is God’s presence and love.  I urge you to remember what I’ve shared so that in future years you will warmly welcome clergy and their families, then connect with and care for them.   They give up much to live and serve in your neighborhoods.  
      Jesus then spoke about a man who said he wanted to bury his dad. It’s quite likely that the funeral that already happened and by “burial” he meant the custom of  waiting a full year before burying his father’s bones in a special box on a shelf in a tomb.  Jesus acknowledged his request but explained that the demands of the kingdom are real and immediate.  Dead bones can be dealt with by others. When that difficult choice was put before the man, he stayed put, watching Jesus walk away.  The cost seemed too steep for him.  
     The last fellow wanted to say farewell to his family and that might seem reasonable. But once again the Lord saw into this man’s heart. There can be conflicting commitments inside of us. We may really want to do something for God but when the time comes and we’re asked to sacrifice, we come up with reasons to decline, or excuses to delay.  
     What the three men had in common was a desire to follow Christ, but each refused to sacrifice.  I was thinking about that this week and remembering one particular gym unit in elementary school. My least favorite activity came each spring.  I’d be lifted up at the waist and told to grab the hanging ring with both hands.  I’d be lifted back and up, then suddenly released, expected to smoothly grab hold of the next rung and continue swinging across the gym.  I felt my  classmates’ eyes on me, and I knew the expectations of my gym coach behind me.   But I clung to that single ring and did not want to let go and grab the next one. It was so awkward and uncomfortable the memories are seared into my brain.  I was a young girl too scared to stretch toward the new, because I wasn’t ready or willing to release what felt certain and safe.  Can any of you relate to how I felt?  Not just the challenging physical task, but fear holding you back?   
     As you might guess, during outdoor recess I never did play on the monkey bars, for all the reasons I mentioned earlier.  Instead, I’d head straight to the swings, a much safer bet.  I think we all know it takes a certain courage to release what’s known and stretch out our arms (or ourselves) toward something unknown. Jesus’ plan for discipleship is often full of hanging rings and monkey bars. Sometimes as Christians our feet won’t touch so we must trust, and there will be times when some sort of strain is put on our body, or our life.  We can tire out from always being on the move and serving others.  Chances for long rest periods are not part of Jesus itinerary.  But here’s the good news! When we follow Jesus into the most faith-stretching places, what stories we’ll have to tell.    
      Jesus is always looking for people who will be available to be used for his purposes.  Are you going to be available to be used by Jesus during this Lenten season?   Will you consider any sacrifices you make to be your way of taking up a cross and following in the footsteps of Jesus?   There will be times of self-denial, of self-surrender, but what is gained will far outweigh what’s given up. 
      That reminds me of a wonderful, true story. There was a large Christian weekend event for teens.   During closing worship a thanks offering was taken.   As counters sorted the offering, one found and held up a small photo of a girl.  Some thought she’d accidentally tossed it in along with a few dollars from her purse.   Another thought it might have been meant as a goofy joke.  Just then the  counter noticed writing on the back - it said, “I have nothing to give, but after this weekend I want to give my whole self to Jesus.”   That Sunday evening a teenage girl surrendered her life to Jesus.   She wanted to have a disciple’s state of mind and heart.  What about us this Lent: will we give our whole lives to Jesus Christ?

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