ESOCS Devotional 15 March 2022
TEXT: LUKE 14:25-35
MEMORY VERSE: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke 14: 28 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
People were following Jesus to Jerusalem for various reasons. It was a time in His ministry when He was nearing Jerusalem and the cross. So, in two small but wonderful parables, He sought to sift out of the people, those who were willing and those not willing to pay the cost of being a true disciple. He made the statement to get the crowd to think through their enthusiasm for Him – from the superficial eagerness to either go deeper or to turn back.
What are these costs of discipleship? Love God and everything that pertains to Him first, above family. This does not mean one hates, or should hate or sideline his/her family and the cares they may need. The Christian may also face loss of social status, hatred, isolation, persecution, wealth, denials in the society, etc. Other costs were spelt out well by Jesus in Luke 9:57-62.
God showed Apostle Paul the things he must suffer for His’ sake (Acts 9:15, 16). This is also true of the early disciples (Acts 14:22). But God gave a word of comfort that believers should not fear those things but to endure to the end. A crown of life awaits such disciples (Revelation 2:10)
What is your own position? Following Christ does not mean a trouble-free life. We must carefully count the cost of becoming His disciple, so that we know what we are getting into and are not tempted later to turn back. There should be no lukewarm position like the church in Laodicea. (Revelation 3:15, 16). Even though costly, but the reward of being His disciple is unparalleled!
- Is the cost of following Christ too much?
- You cannot decide on your own. You need the help of the Holy Spirit.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Matthew 8:18-22; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3: 6-9
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ESOCS Devotional 15 March 2022
