Counting the cost

Even though I am in my 28th year as a Methodist Minister, there are still many things to learn and a multitude of new experiences to encounter.  Earlier this week I we had a service at church to give thanks for the life of one of our church members who had died.  She had reached the age of 97, and as I led the service a verse came to mind from the Old Testament concerning the death of Abraham who, we are told, 'breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years.'  Though, of course, there is always an element of sadness and loss when a loved one dies, the service was an overwhelmingly positive one as we gave thanks for a life well-lived and rejoiced in the assurance of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus Christ.

Nothing particular unusual there, then.  What was unusual was that there was no body present, nor had there been a burial or cremation.  This was because the lady concerned had donated her body to medical science.  Although I had heard of that possibility, I had never before come across it personally.  As we were thinking about this lady's life and the kind of person she was, I did make the point that the fact that she had been willing to donate her body to medical research indicated that she was someone who thought about others, and was willing to commit herself to doing what she could to benefit other people.

I have been mulling over in my mind the commitment required in donating one's body.  It's true, of course, that once a person is dead, they have no more use for their earthly body.  Nevertheless, making the decision to donate one's body to medical science is something not everyone would wish to do.  In view of these thoughts, it seemed significant when this morning's daily Bible reading (I use the "Pray As You Go" app) focussed on a passage from the 14th chapter of Luke's gospel, in which Jesus is talking about the cost of discipleship.  Here is part of the passage:

'One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters - yes, even one’s own self! - can’t be my disciple .. Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple."'

Jesus couldn't have been much clearer about the cost of following him.  He challenges those who would follow him to first count the cost.  There can be no half-hearted discipleship!  Just as the lady whose life we celebrated this week was willing to make the commitment of donating her body to medical science, so those of us who are followers of Jesus must be willing to make the commitment of putting him first.  Easier said than done!