Monday, June 16, 2025

The Start-up of a New Kingdom



This morning as I read Luke 21 and Jesus’ words about the cost of discipleship, my mind went to the men who founded America.  Those who were in the beginning phases of establishing a new “kingdom,” paid a heavy price that most of us don’t understand.   

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence to establish the nation of the United States of America. The start-up of a new government was expensive and most either gave all they had to start our government or lost their wealth for supporting the cause. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Many lost family members because of leading this worthy cause; it was clearly divisive.  There were threats to their lives or the lives of their families from those who opposed them. To start a new nation was costly.  

The same was true for the twelve disciples involved in spreading the news of the new kingdom that Jesus came to establish. Of the twelve, ten were martyred.  Judas hung himself and John probably died of natural causes—but only after being miraculously rescued after being thrown in a cauldron of boiling oil, according to Tertullian. The disciples gave up possessions and homes to follow Jesus. They had to prioritize him over their families. It was costly to be a disciple.  

We’ve forgotten the price that was paid for the establishment of a “new kingdom.” Now we walk around with expectations of what we’re owed. People in leadership look to make a profit off of their positions instead of investing all they have.  We no longer count the cost—we impose the cost on those under us.  

We should examine why our founding fathers and the disciples were willing to pay such a high price. 
Freedom always comes at a price. 


No comments: