What price?

One year on from the start of the NATO air campaign against the Gaddafi regime in Libya, and it is clear that many are still paying a high price for regime change. Over 8000 people are still missing.

In Syria, continued violence and bombardment leads to many paying a high price. 

The same is true in Tibet and other places around the world which fleetingly catch our attention, as communities seek freedom from oppression and tyranny. The price of freedom and change is very high.

As we approach the end of Lent, and follow Jesus in his journey to Jerusalem, we hear him challenging his followers. ' A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them,  “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison, yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. ' (Luke 14.25-27)

Facing his own death, willingly giving away his right to life, in order to rescue us and redeem the world, he challenges us to a new direction for our lives - with Him as the focus of our devotion. That is the price He calls us to pay. 

It is clear that Jesus was not just making a fie sounding speech. he expects real followers to pay the real price. I ask myself what sort of follower I am. I pray that Jesus would help me to follow Him worthily.

Best wishes,

Richard