Count the Cost: Luke 14:28-30
“28) For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30) saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” Luke 14:28-30
In this story, Jesus was stressing the importance of counting the cost of following Him. His disciples left everything to follow Him.
He compared it to a man preparing to build a huge tower on his property. It was most likely for agriculture purposes. It was a big project and it was costly. The tower determined the direction of the rest of his life. It meant he was entering the demanding career of being a farmer. Jesus stressed the decision should not be made frivolously, emotionally or with haste.
The first step was to sit down and count the cost! Calculate everything involved. It will take time. It will consume all of your financial resources. It will alter the direction of the rest of your life. He stressed making sure you have the devotion, resources and resolve to complete the task and go the distance.
It is better to not start the project than get part way through and quit. Your reputation, self worth and dignity will forever be tarnished.
The call to follow Jesus is not easy, small or inconsequential. It will consume all your time, attention, resources and talents. You switch from being master of your own life to making Jesus your Master. It is a radically new direction in life.
It will affect your family, friendships, recreational activities and approach to living. You must turn from the pleasures of sin to living a holy life. You must turn from serving self to serving Jesus and others. It is a life long journey of growth and building for the glory of God.
But the big question; “Is it worth it?” The answer is twofold. Nothing compares if you pay the price and build well for the glory of God. The rewards will shine for all of eternity.
But if you are half hearted, live with one foot in the world, make your own rules, remain double minded, give way to anger and bitterness. and treat Jesus as a good luck charm, then you will be sorely disappointed. If this describes you, then you have failed to count the cost of following Jesus. He is neither Lord nor Master of your life.
These are sobering verses. They demand deep soul searching. Following Jesus is not an emotional whim. It will cost you everything. It involves daily discipline, surrender and obedience.
Jesus did not make emotional appeals for people to follow Him. He laid out the full story and urged people to count the cost!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“28) For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30) saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” Luke 14:28-30
In this story, Jesus was stressing the importance of counting the cost of following Him. His disciples left everything to follow Him.
He compared it to a man preparing to build a huge tower on his property. It was most likely for agriculture purposes. It was a big project and it was costly. The tower determined the direction of the rest of his life. It meant he was entering the demanding career of being a farmer. Jesus stressed the decision should not be made frivolously, emotionally or with haste.
The first step was to sit down and count the cost! Calculate everything involved. It will take time. It will consume all of your financial resources. It will alter the direction of the rest of your life. He stressed making sure you have the devotion, resources and resolve to complete the task and go the distance.
It is better to not start the project than get part way through and quit. Your reputation, self worth and dignity will forever be tarnished.
The call to follow Jesus is not easy, small or inconsequential. It will consume all your time, attention, resources and talents. You switch from being master of your own life to making Jesus your Master. It is a radically new direction in life.
It will affect your family, friendships, recreational activities and approach to living. You must turn from the pleasures of sin to living a holy life. You must turn from serving self to serving Jesus and others. It is a life long journey of growth and building for the glory of God.
But the big question; “Is it worth it?” The answer is twofold. Nothing compares if you pay the price and build well for the glory of God. The rewards will shine for all of eternity.
But if you are half hearted, live with one foot in the world, make your own rules, remain double minded, give way to anger and bitterness. and treat Jesus as a good luck charm, then you will be sorely disappointed. If this describes you, then you have failed to count the cost of following Jesus. He is neither Lord nor Master of your life.
These are sobering verses. They demand deep soul searching. Following Jesus is not an emotional whim. It will cost you everything. It involves daily discipline, surrender and obedience.
Jesus did not make emotional appeals for people to follow Him. He laid out the full story and urged people to count the cost!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
