Sunday Reflections on The Southerner Newspaper
Sunday, August 24, 2025
(Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13, Luke 13:22-30)
Someone asked him, “Sir, will just a few people be saved?”… ,Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last.” (Luke 13: 23, 30) GNB
My dear brethren in Christ, Peace and Love of Christ be with you. Today, Christ, through the voice of the Church draws our attention to something very vital towards achieving success here on earth and even in the world to come (after Life).
This very element of living is applicable to our spiritual well-being and physical well-being; it touches and pertains to every aspect of life as humans.
This element is called Discipline. Discipline is the ability to deal with challenges (distractions) within the right frame of mind while having an unwavering vision and determination.
Of course, discipline will surely cost a lot but the reward is far more beneficial than the cost it requires. Sarcastically, it is a buttered suffering.
Today, our reflection will be split into two. In the first part of our reflection from the letter to the Hebrews (12:5-7.11-13), the writer presents us the relationship between us and God and His desire for us to remain disciplined, pointing God’s unfailing willingness to discipline us in different forms in order for us to reap the fruit thereof.
In the second part of the reflection, (Luke 13: 22-30), Christ encourages each of us to remain steadfast, keep pushing it, accept the challenges and deal with it in the right frame of mind because many who think that they are very much ahead will surely become the last when the wind of discipline begins to blow.
Hence the question, will it be only a few that will be saved? The first will be the last and the last the first.
In the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13), the writer presents us with the fact that it is God’s ultimate Will to keep us within the framework of discipline at every possible chance because we are not just creatures, we are Sons.
We are made in His image and likeness, hence, demigods and it is very necessary to adapt to discipline in order to reach our full potentials. In the journey of discipline, the writer made us to understand that it will cost a lot – time, sacrifice (abstinence), relationship etcetera.
But the good of all these is that the end is more beneficial than the price. Just like the pregnant woman who has to endure a lot of things, give up a lot of hobbies just for the baby, some will even swear never to get pregnant, but at the sight of the new born baby, in the mist of rejoicing ask for another set.
In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 13 :22-30), Christ makes the necessity of discipline more clearer while responding to the question of will it be just a few that will be saved? (Luke 13:23).
In other words, will it be just a few who will be able to make it following the rigours of success? Does it mean that, if we do not maintain or keep to the demands of success we will not make it? But Jesus response was very clear on this, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able…” (Luke 13:24).
That is to say, there is a requirement and yardstick to be able to enter and you must maintain it to stand a chance. Success is not gotten or achieved on the platter of gold, you will have to keep to the requirements.
And to keep to the requirements of success, you must abide by discipline. You must let go a lot of pleasure momentarily in view of what lies ahead. Christ further emphasized on the reactions that follow when one misses out on the flight of success because of lack of discipline.
It comes with a very piercing pain seeing how close you were to success yet you were denied, the memories of romancing so much with success yet not being successful, the pain of watching those you have written off becoming successful, climbing the ladder of success while you stand and watch.
Hence, the first will be the last and the last the first. This statement is possible on the dictionary of discipline.
My dear brethren in Christ, we are encouraged to put on the vestment of discipline in this journey of life. The race of life is not for the weak an uphill race and requires consistency and not really speed. Discipline requires consistency and right vision.
The man who is climbing the mountain does not carry load, discipline sheds off those loads to make you fit for the journey up the mountain. Discipline is the ability and courage to say No to those things you like just because they stand in the way of what you want to achieve.
How will an obese person shed off fat when he does not discipline himself towards his diet and fitness plan? How will a student who intends to stand out academically not be able to say no to too much sleep and leisure?
An employee who wants to succeed must make sure that he painstakingly attends to details of his work. All these levels of success requires just one thing – discipline.
Let us be willing to give up the momentary pleasures for the pleasures that are to come. Success and salvation must be earned and not given.(Philippians 2:12).
May the Peace and Love of God that surpasses all things rest and abide in your hearts. Amen.
