Note for 20250508

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

According to Luke

Part 107 - Luke 14 - Counting Costs

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250508 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 107 - Luke 14 - Counting Costs

Luke 14:25-35 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. [34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? [35] It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

I know, this is one of the harder messages to hear coming from the lips of Jesus. Hating all and following Him. Now, there are translations that soften these words a little, making it as if it must be a love less than what we have for Christ, but then counting the cost section here does not make any form of sense. Now we are to love our neighbour as ourselves, even love our enemies, so what is this here? Is Jesus contradicting Himself? Absolutely not, but He speaks to a reality that the true follower of Christ knows well, how those who used to love you or at least bare with you may turn enemies against you for the sake of the Word that you carry in you.

Counting the costs before you go in, is to see what you may have to part with on the journey, and all of us know what it is like to be unwelcome at family gatherings and how to see others receive invites, while we are looked over. Even at work this happens, not (well, if you live the Word in any way.) Who wants a member on the board, if he is constantly going to complain about the markups being too high and unfair towards the customers? Or that unisex restrooms are not okay? The thing is, that much of this world operates in what some may call "grey areas" while even just a shade is closer to darkness than what it needs to be. Were you warned how difficult life would become once you start following Christ, or are you still in the mainstream following that is more like a "lite-version" of what it should be? Are you ready to part with all you have to follow Christ?

Luke 9:59-60 KJV

[59] And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [60] Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

This verse we read just recently, do you remember? Even then it seemed harsh, but now it comes more into focus, not? How many of you have been instructed by the Lord to give something away, or to walk away from someone that you love? You know, sometimes somebody else can stand in your way to make Christ your all. Sometimes, you might stand in the way of someone else being led to Christ, as hard as it might be to perceive. Nonetheless, each person that was ever born and those who will still come have the same choice to make, and GOD wants that none be lost and all be saved. What happens when we shelter all the time and prevent the moment of break through for another? Love covers a multitude of sin, remember; and sometimes we cover that which should be uncovered, for repentance to come.

Counting the costs is all about the Kingdom of GOD'S profit. Let's just say, a partner might not always agree with you, when the LORD says to give. And if you are sent to a foreign country, which spouse will make that trip with you? Who will drop the kids off at school. Just doing what is right in life, can make you a hated character. Let's put it like this, if you want to sell your car, would you buy it, knowing all about it? Then how do you sell it and remain silent on what is wrong with it. These types of things bring contention into the household and families.

Counting costs, does the Law define what you shouldn't kill, or does it simply say "Thou shalt not kill?" What about the rest, are mere suggestions? What is theft? Does it include when you say something is worth more than what you had to pay for it? Does it include if you asked for money for one thing, but then used it for something else? The way of Christ is a law abiding way, don't you know that. Dare I ask, what does this even say about a "white lie?" No, my friends, the way of Christ is black and white, precisely what it says. In that there is only right and wrong. But, it does permit mercy and grace.

Counting costs; did Christ not say that this world would hate you and persecute you? What then, are all these prosperity teachings about? Are we to gather treasures here on earth, or in heaven? When GOD proved Abraham, He requested him to sacrifice his son. What is the greatest commandment?

Counting costs: your faith might bring you to the point of losing your head, your income and yes, even your spouse or children. Is it just in comparison to how we love the LORD? Do you remember the account of Eli and his two sons? And, did David not flee before King Saul?

The version of the Gospel that is being preached today is one that permits luxuries it really shouldn't. There are matters that are agreed with, that are abominations before the Lord. You know that, surely the Holy Spirit has pointed that out to you. But before we go and judge them, instead of leading them to salvation, how are we making ourselves to be different from the way GOD made us? Do you truly believe that GOD makes mistakes? Because I was only a child when abuse began. Today I am grateful, because I am qualified to speak on matters others have to imagine. You see, I know, I do not have to guess. Maybe now you will understand why I love this verse:

Romans 8:28 KJV

[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

You see, to me it is not just a verse in the Bible, something someone else wrote, because it is a testimony that resides in me. When I, as a child prayed for wisdom, I was too young to count the costs, I only saw the gain and the prize was out of focus. You see, I wanted to be a great man. It was all about me, just with a Christian flavour. It was about what I wanted to gain.

Luke 14:33 KJV

[33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Does this verse resonate with you yet? Is Jesus Christ your treasure? Have you taken up the cross, are you hated for His Name? Have you noticed, some people might be polite with you, but you just know that they hate you. Some you can see that if they could, they would harm you in the most brutal way. Especially if you speak out about their guilt in things. Stand up for the poor, and see how quickly people start dismissing you.

Counting costs is about considering all that may come. Yes, it includes Prophecy, even the time we are now entering in.

Selah, Shalom

The House of Bread

(NOTE: If You feel that you want more, please take note that this here is basically just the notes for the Audio version of the Note. There is much more in the Audio and Video Versions of the Daily Notes)

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV

[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.