Parables of Christ - Part 16

Count The Cost

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241019 - Count The Cost - Parables Of Christ - Part 16

Luke 14:25-33 KJV

[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, [26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. [27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. [31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. [33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Note for 20241019

By now you have probably picked up that I take issue with those that spread a message of prosperity. This life is not like a game of monopoly, or should I rather say, it should not be. It concerns me, when I hear of power hungry people, working a "lifestyle coach" approach to the gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord. While it may be a lifestyle choice, true; we are called to be humble servants before the Lord.

Sometimes, I become aware of the message from GOD being on a repeat cycle, because we have recently spoken on this before. Our gain as sinners is forgiveness from GOD, and a promise of eternal life with Christ. Sure, there are rewards stored up in heaven, but that should in my opinion not be the focus of our efforts. Would you serve GOD, if there was no benefit for you personally? Would you serve GOD, simply because He is GOD?

It is somewhat against human nature, isn't it? There are benefits, but it is GOD who determines what your benefits will be. Here on earth, in the fleshly form; GOD'S intention appears to be on that which will save your soul unto an eternal life. Christ came, to undo the works of Satan in the world. When we choose to follow our Lord Jesus Christ, we take on the same effort. We are called to be servants of the Lord. Paul speaks of being a bond-slave of Christ. (Romans 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 7:22) There is much to be understood about being a bond-slave, because it requires someone who is made free to stay with His Master out of a love for his master. What has the cost of following Christ been for you? And what might that price become, if the country that you are in is taken over by a zealous pagan nation? Have you ever considered why the book of Revelation speaks of the tribulation saints, or how it was only the Disciple John that passed on of natural causes, all the others were martyrs for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must be careful not to copy marketing practices of this world to proclaim the gospel of our Lord, especially not being guilty of "false advertising" a life for Christ without a cost. Each will be required to take up their own cross. You cannot serve two masters, you cannot love yourself more than you love our Father GOD in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. This parable calls us to count the cost and see if we are willing to pay the full price, even at the edge of the sword against our necks.

Friends, who will choose famine over a prospect for life on earth? What does the taking of the mark of the beast resemble in the book of Revelation?

Revelation 12:11 KJV

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Would you forsake the Lord for the sake of your mother or your child? What about for the sake of your own breath?

Have you counted the costs? Are you willing to give more? Do you want a simple measure to test that in your life, whether you will indeed be ready in such a moment? Consider this then, can you stand in the lowest station of your fellow man? Can you wash another's feet or can you be a servant without a reward, even without as much as a "thank you?" Can you do that for someone that is not a friend and neither are they friendly to you at all? Don't you know that is often what spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ requires?

What are you prepared to give up for Christ, consider that inwardly, do not speak it out. That conversation is with the Lord, not for the ears of mankind. Instead, what mankind may witness, is a sample of selflessness; "service with a smile."

If you think that was a lot to consider. Hear this: Have you counted the cost of continuing on in sin? How about being unrepentant or neglecting to forgive others for their transgressions?

How ready are you to remove the ability of another to eat, just so you can eat? What you have just considered, friends; that is the true state of how this world of "survival of the fittest" works. Here, someone must lose for another to gain. Do you understand the burden of the cross yet? In this world, there is no longer a fair-trade system, all is profit driven and the benefactor is the very one that stands before us in the mirror.

Have you counted the costs? Do you understand that you may have to bear a burden for others? That you might be the last one out of a burning building, or protect an innocent; simply because, you are certain where you are heading at the turnpoint of this life, and unsure about their choices, wanting to extend their lives, so they have time to choose Christ before their end comes. What if that person is the one standing with a sword drawn against your neck? Love thine enemy, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood. The flesh cannot enter into the Kingdom of GOD.

Count the cost and be prepared for the unexpected costs.

Shalom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Extended from verse 17)

Romans 1:14-17 KJV

[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.