Luke 14:26-33

Shalom

I was reading the above scripture, where Yahushua tells us in verse 26 that we are to hate our father, mother, wife, children, brethren, his sisters and his own life as evidence that he loves and follows Yahushua (ie giving up all that we in our flesh love and start to love with His love). I however didnt understand how this related to the 3 parables he spoke of after, when it came to mind the following parable:

A King wages war against his enemy, calling his men to battle. He gives them ammunition and armour to use, yet as they enter the field they left it all behind in the camp. The enemy draws near and the men start to tremble. Although the king's men are greater in number than the enemy, he sees his men are defenseless. He goes to the front, and asks his men:

"Where are the weapons i gave you?" 

to which they respond: 

"Your honour, we were so passionate for the king that we left the camp as soon as you called us, but we did not think of bringing our ammunition or armour!" 

"Foolish men, are there any among you that be prepared for this enemy? Stand forward, the rest of you run back home to your homes and wives." 

He has given us the ammunition, the armour, we greatly out number the enemy, and we have the King on our side. Yet I hope this parables helps you understand, as it did for me, to understand what Hes trying to telling us with the parables:

- of the 10 ladies with the oil

- the owner of the vineyard sending his precious son (knowing he would be killed)

- the dinner where he called ppl from the street to attend (instead of those invited who turned him down)

and many others, including Luke 14:26-33. 

As this really opened my eyes to understand His word more, i hope it helped you. Just like a lamp can not be hid under the table, so can i not hide the truth He reveals onto me! For me, if i keep such treasures to myself, i may die rich not having shared my riches with no one! Are we not called to give up our physical riches in exchange for the promise of heavenly riches? What if the Word is a treasure in our hand, that we can share with others that they too may receive of the promise! What if, being made rich with His word, we are called to share with the poor, broken hearted and widowed? Dont know about you, but thats something that's possible indeed! :D

xxxxx