Wanting Jesus More than Shoes

Several days ago a friend of mine hooked my wife and I up with a couple guest passes to the employee store of the company he works for. His company makes shoes, really, really cool shoes. Once in a great while we receive a guest pass and get to shop at the same store and receive the same discount all of the employees shop at. Whenever we go, I have the same feeling I did as a kid when I would go to Toys R Us because I really like these cool shoes.

As we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed a line of people beginning to form along the curb. Most of these people were just sitting on the pavement, but a couple brought chairs and one even had a board game. Before my wife could ask what they were doing, I informed her (because I knew she would ask) that they were waiting in line to purchase some brand new limited addition shoe that would be coming out later that night.

As we walked around the store, I overheard a couple of employees talking about those people in line. I was so shocked at what they said, I had to interrupt to make sure what they said was true. The confirmation of my suspicion was overwhelming! These people were not waiting in line for the afternoon; they would be waiting in line overnight to be there first to get these shoes. As the reality of their commitment to rubber, Velcro + laces began to sink in, something in me began to question these sneaker lovers and then myself. Who waits overnight for shoes, especially in March? What makes these shoes that much cooler than every other pair of cool shoes here? Is there anything that I would wait overnight for? Are my shoes cool? Is there anything I have ever wanted that badly? How badly do I want God? Would I be willing to wait in the pouring rain all night for Him?

One of the things I love about the disciples is how they literally left everything to follow Jesus. For Peter, Andrew, James and John it was their nets (Matthew 4:18-22), for Matthew it was his tax collecting booth (Matthew 9:9). These men left more than just their businesses; they left family, friends and lifestyle. It is a clear picture of the reality of following Jesus. It will cost us something, perhaps even everything. Jesus said it best in Matthew 10:37-38 " 37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Fasting is difficult. It entails something of us. Sacrifice. Surrender. Commitment. It requires us to give up something that we love for someone that we love. But in the end we grow closer to Jesus and our faith in Him increases and that is far more valuable than any pair of really cool shoes.