March 22 | Luke 14:34-35

---

Luke 14:34-35

---

Short Term Pain, Long Term Gain

By Michael Guastella

It is not uncommon to struggle with a sense of purpose sometimes.  Our routines become stale, our bodies worn out, and our spirit dulled. In this short passage, we’re reminded of not only the purpose of salt, but the value of it. Of course, Jesus is not referring to literal salt here, but rather the deeper meaning of salt and its purpose.

Just as salt enhances and preserves, so too should believers enhance and preserve the world around them. We are called to be a positive influence, to bring out the best in situations, and to act as a preservative against decay. This "flavor" is the unique quality that Christians bring to the world—a reflection of Christ's love, grace, and truth.

But what happens when salt loses its essence? It becomes worthless.  “It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.” Sounds a lot like a lack of purpose to me.  Jesus gives us this harsh reminder of the consequences of spiritual apathy. It’s a call to examine our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly living out our faith with integrity. Are we allowing our surroundings to dilute our saltiness? Are we letting the world take control of our faith and our actions?

This chapter is all about Jesus laying his cards on the table. He’s saying to us: You want to come with me? I’ll gladly have you, but this is what it means.  I think it can also be a callback to Hebrews 12:11 which reminds us: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

This passage isn't meant to condemn, but to awaken. Jesus is telling us what we have to give up, what it truly means to walk with Christ, and what He expects from us.  The end of verse 34 says “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” which to me means, “I gave you these gifts - use them in gratitude!”

This passage isn't meant to condemn, but to awaken. Jesus is giving us our purpose right here.  We are called to be people who stand out in their faith in Jesus. This requires intentionality, a constant drawing near to God, and a willingness to live differently.

Let us ask God to search our hearts and reveal any areas where we have lost our savor. Let us seek His grace to restore our saltiness, that we may once again be a powerful force for God’s glory, and may we always reflect the light and love of Christ to all we encounter.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for loving us enough to challenge us. Thank you for reminding us what it takes to follow You in all of Your glory. We are sorry for the times we forget, but we are thankful that you forgive us in love. Give us the strength and resilience to not be worn down by the world, and give us the resolve to continue preserving Your Word and spreading Your love.

---

About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area, where I attended Parkside Church as a boy under the teachings of Alistair Begg and was baptized at 16 years old. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.

---

March 21 | Luke 14:25-33

---

Luke 14:25-33

---

HARD

By Todd Marti

 Verse 26 of this passage is one of Jesus’ hard teachings. What are we to make of his statement that we must “hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters” to be His disciple? We can’t ignore it; Jesus’ effectively makes it twice, here and in Matthew 10:37 .  What are we to do with it?

Let’s start by considering what it doesn’t teach; Jesus is not telling His disciples to reject their families. On a broad level, we know that scripture tells us to nurture our family relationships, Exodus 20:12,  Deuteronomy 5:16,  Proverbs 6:20. and that Jesus came to fulfill scripture. Matthew 5:17-18. We also know that Jesus condemned folks who sidestepped their family obligations. Mark 7:8-13. Bringing the matter into finer resolution, the Greek word translated as "hate" does not always mean to detest or loathe, it can also mean a relative preference of one thing over another. The fact that Jesus intended that relative meaning is supported by the way this teaching is phrased in Matthew: “[a]nyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

So, what does this verse teach?

Context gives us two strong clues. Scripturally, Luke’s gospel places this teaching immediately after a parable stressing the need to prioritize God over of other things, even otherwise legitimate things. Luke 14:15-24. Historically, the people Jesus was addressing placed very great emphasis on family.  Those contexts indicate that Jesus is telling us to put Him above all other things—even things at the core of our lives. 

So what in your life is competing with Jesus? Is it your politics, media consumption, or “tribe”?   Is it your job, career, or finances? Is it an addiction?  Is it something else? Ask Jesus to show you and to show you how to put Him ahead of it. Scripture tells us that He will show you and help you put things right if you bring the matter to Him. Luke 11:9-13, Romans 8:26-27,  Philippians 4:6-7,  Hebrews 4:15-16,  James 1:5, 1 John 1:9. 

Will that be easy? Probably not. I’m struggling with something like that now and I can tell you it’s hard. Will it take time? It probably will; it has for me. Will God help you along the way? Definitely.  So seek His help for you and all others who are struggling with this.  And if you could, please include me in those prayers.

PRAYER

Loving God, help each of us to see where we have let other things take priority over you. Help us to put you first, no matter how hard that is. Help all others who are struggling with this. We say this in Jesus’ loving, healing, name.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODD MARTI

I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.

---

MARCH 20 | LUKE 14:12-24

---

DAILY READING

Luke 14:12-24

---

REFLECTION

Room At The Table

by Judy Webb

Was there a time in your life when you felt like a second-class citizen? A time when you just knew you were not worthy of anyone's friendship or attention? Did you then feel like an outcast, a person with no one to care about and no close relationships? Did the introverted life suit you? When someone threw a party was your name on the invitation list? I thought about this as I read today's verses.

"So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full." (Luke 14:23 NLT)

There was a woman I once knew and admired, who seemed to me, to ‘have it all together’. I really wanted to be like her, to have friends surround me as she did. She presented herself with grace and a loving persona. I saw her as the opposite of myself. One day, she invited me to dinner at her house with several of her friends. I was new to the church and didn’t know many people and was hesitant to accept the invite. Surprising to me, I had a nice time.

When she invited me to her small group, we talked, and I asked her why she reached out to me like she did. She said she found me interesting and kind, and she wanted to get to know me better. She offered me unconditional friendship, as well as a place at her table. Melissa was following the lead Jesus gave and extended the invitation, “Come to the table.”

Now, years later I understand the words, “Come to the table”, as: embrace salvation. Who in your circle of acquaintances, or neighbors, could use an invitation like this? Jesus is telling us to bring in complete strays, to urge everyone we find, to come and fill the house. The invitation is open to all who will come. "For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:11 NLT)

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

You have commanded us to 'Make Disciples', and we want to do that. Give us the courage and the wisdom to recognize who is in our path who needs to hear your invitation, who needs to be seen as one "So Loved By God." (to quote Pastor Paul) Help us prepare that table and fill it with those who are hungry, but maybe don't know it yet. Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

---