JESUS SPEAKING
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build but was not able to finish?'” (Luke 14: 27 – 30)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus used this parable to warn any potential followers of the lifelong hardships they would endure as a result of Christian living. In full disclosure, He instructs them to “count the cost,” lest they commit themselves in error and eventually turn away from the faith prior to entering eternal life. In this present age, genuine believers will experience overwhelming joy, peace, sanity, healing and truth; but in service to God, they will also know suffering, persecution, hatred, and temporary discomfort. The Christian path is narrow, difficult, and rarely chosen. And yet it is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, experienced untold hardships while trying to reach the lost for Christ. For seven years he suffered hunger and poverty. He was eventually thrown into Ava Prison, where he endured incredible mistreatment for 17 months. For the rest of his life he would carry the ugly scars from the chains and iron shackles that bound him. Upon his release, he remained steadfast. He asked for permission to enter another province where he could continue preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler denied his request, saying, “My people are not foolish enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they might be impressed with your scars and turn to your religion.”
Before an individual makes the decision to follow Jesus, they too must sit down and consider the cost. What does Christ expect from us? The answer is, ‘everything.’ Our whole lives. By submitting ourselves to His will, we can know unfading joy and everlasting peace. Following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor which requires great sacrifice; we will endure untold hardships, and persistent persecution. And yet, if we lay down our lives now, we will receive the greatest prize imaginable; eternal life with God in His kingdom.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continue to walk in faith as we spread the gospel to those who are willing to receive Your truth. Fill our hearts with joy, even as we endure persecution and suffering for Your Name’s sake. Order our steps and guide our decisions, that we might serve others and willingly sacrifice our own wants to accomplish Your desires. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 