Who Are Disciples? by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Aug 25, 1904

Who Are Disciples?

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

In Luke 14:33 we read, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he can not be my disciple.” The Lord does not say, He is not my disciple, but the strong affirmation “can not be my disciple” is used.

Here is defined a true disciple. It means much to be one of the Lord’s followers, much more than many think. Many are content with being simply a member of the church, attending its formal round of services, and making some small sacrifices. But to purchase man from the hand of the enemy, it cost all heaven had to bestow. What more could God give than his only Son? The Father gave all he had; he emptied heaven in this one gift; he reserved nothing. The plan of redemption was laid in the sacrifice of all the boundless resources of heaven.

A study of this text leads to an examination of our Christian experience, that we may determine if we are truly his disciples. This scripture comes close. It will shut many out of the kingdom. A like statement caused one who came to Jesus inquiring concerning eternal life to go away “grieved,” for he had “great possessions.” Many profess the name of Christ, but very few, like the widow, have given all for his sake.

Think of the work of God now to be done in the earth,—a message to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, and only a fragment of time left in which to accomplish the work. Many in whom the Lord is calling into his service, are withholding themselves from him. Have such forsaken all? To fulfil the demands of this scripture many parents will have to place their children on the altar to be used in regions near and far off. Parents, too, will have to dedicate themselves to God for active service. The Captain of our salvation is calling for volunteers for his army. The recruiting office is still open, and all who will can enlist.

Many are blessed with means—houses, farms, cattle, a bank account, something laid up for the years to come. Has all this been forsaken? Is it on the altar of God to be used in his cause? God’s cause is in perishing need of funds in both home and foreign fields. Now is the time to study the test of discipleship as defined by the Saviour.

“As I viewed poor souls dying for want of present truth, and some who profess to believe the truth were letting them die, by withholding the necessary means to carry forward the work of God, the sight was too painful, and I begged of the angel to remove it from me. I saw that when the cause of God called for some of their property, like the young man who came to Jesus (Matt. 19: 16-22), they went away sorrowful; and that soon the overflowing scourge would pass over and sweep their possessions all away, and then it would be too late to sacrifice earthly goods, and lay up a treasure in heaven. I then saw the glorious Redeemer, beautiful and lovely; that he left the realms of glory, and came to this dark and lonely world, to give his precious life and die, the just for the unjust. He bore the cruel mocking and scourging, wore the platted crown of thorns, and sweat great drops of blood in the garden, while the burden of the sins of the whole world was upon him. The angel asked, ‘What for?’ O! I saw and knew that it was for us; for our sins he suffered all this, that by his precious blood he might redeem us unto God.”

“The suffering Jesus, his love so deep as to lead him to give his life for man, was again held up before me; also the lives of those who profess to be his followers, who had this world’s goods, but considered it so great a thing to help the cause of salvation. The angel said, ‘Can such enter heaven?’ Another angel answered, ‘No, never, never, never. Those who are not interested in the cause of God on earth, can never sing the song of redeeming love above.’”