(We suggest you read the entire chapter before laying this little bit of creative writing alongside it.)

The mind rebels at so much to give up

in coming to the Savior—

plans, rights, possessions, in exchange

for wholeness, eternity, the unimaginable.

Our Lord spoke of divorce

And the conditions for its granting.

Did someone say,

“I have my rights”?

They were the first to go, friend–

You dead men and slaves.

Become as children, He said,

And sat one before them.

Little people without pride,

Embarrassment or self-consciousness.

Blessed children.

A wealthy youth stood still,

Shocked by the Master’s words:

“Give it all up.”

So much for so little.

He walked away, unwilling to become–

A beggar.

Simon Peter volunteered,”Lord,

We’ve left it all

To follow You.”

You did well, Pete, and will

Receive a hundredfold in return.

Would you call that a sacrifice–

Investor?

Jesus goes now to make

Such a sacrifice. Laying down

His life to receive many

In return.

Jerusalem, imprisonment,

Condemnation, mockery,

Death.

And then resurrection.

Lord of life.

Not to change the subject, Lord,

But which of us is greatest?

We’re somewhat split on the issue.

“Give it up, boys.

This selfish ambition.

You’re only–

servants.”

A pitiful beggar by the roadside,

A blind man who refuses to be quiet.

He will come to Jesus,

He will not be turned away.

Now he stands to be led to Jesus.

Watch him toss aside his beggar’s rags–

The precious coat,

Which many nights had stood between him

And the dew and the cold,

Which he had won back daily from

Growling dogs and mischievous kids.

Laid aside now without a thought.

He’ll not need it again. He’s–

whole.

One wonders–

Did he recognize it as he

Bounded down the road

Seeing for the first time?

If he was aware of giving up anything

From the old life,

He never said.