I have very little patience with salesmen. When I go into a place that sells a product, it is because I already have an interest in buying, or I wouldn’t be there in the first place. Before I leave the house, I decide what I am going after and where I am going to get it. All that is left is for me to see the item and decide if I am still interested. The only piece of information I need at that time is the price. Any other questions I have will be asked after I decide if I am willing to pay the price that is being quoted.
Luke 14
27And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me.28"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? 29Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh at you! 30They would say, `There's the person who started that building and ran out of money before it was finished!'
27And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me.28"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? 29Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh at you! 30They would say, `There's the person who started that building and ran out of money before it was finished!'
At every turn, Jesus was met with great crowds of people. Some were interested only in the spectacle of the man who was attracting so much attention. Others were there to see if they could catch this self-professed Son of God in a situation that would merit getting rid of Him. Still others were truly seeking to get to know this one who taught love and peace, and offered a life that went on forever. Jesus knew that His words had to minister to the hearts of all those that heard Him speak, and saw His work.
In this passage, Jesus offers a word of caution to those who were following Him on His walk to Jerusalem. There is a lot more to being a disciple than just following Jesus around, listening to His teaching and witnessing His miracles. Before you sign on to discipleship, make sure you understand the requirements. The difference between a disciple and a believer is that disciples put their beliefs into action. Not only do they hear and believe the talk – they walk the walk.
Jesus tells the crowd that a person who claims to be a disciple and is not willing to live up to the principles that He teaches will become a detriment to the spreading of the Good News. Satan uses those people as negative examples of Christians. Like the person who starts a project and is unable to complete it because they failed to make sure they had the necessary resources, the “Sunday Christian" becomes an impediment to the furtherance of the Kingdom.
The Bible says, “Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Salvation is a free gift – unconditional and undeserved. Discipleship has its cost. Jesus said that, if we are to be a disciple, we must not only accept the work that Jesus did for us on the cross, we must take up our own cross every day. We are on this world for a purpose. Jesus’ purpose was to provide the one and only path to salvation for a world lost in sin. It took the cross of Calvary for Him to complete that purpose. The Holy Spirit will guide us to our purpose, but we must be willing to embrace it wholeheartedly if we are to be disciples.
Being a true disciple is more than just walking the same road, it involves bearing the same load.
We serve an awesome God!!!!!
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