Luke 14:28-30

Ever consider the cost of following hard after Christ? In our verses for today, through a succinct illustration, Jesus is giving us this command. I am fearful many modern day men and women are well versed in considering the benefits of faith in Christ but few indeed contemplate the cost He requires. We are definitely a “name it and claim it” society desirous of instant gratification and ease – seeking anything to obtain thus. The Bible simply does not teach this. We are told in Colossians:

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Col 3:23-24 (NIV)

We are also told a few verses later in Luke 14 that everything in our lives must be subordinate to Christ. Jesus demands that in terms of interest, attachment, and priority everything must be secondary to our Savior:

33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 (NIV)

Regarding our verses for today Matthew Henry writes:

“Those who intend to build this tower must sit down and estimate the cost. Let them consider that it will cost them a life of self-denial and watchfulness. It may, perhaps, cost them their reputation among men, and all that is dear to them in this world, even life itself. And if it should cost us all this, what is it in comparison with what it cost Christ? Many who begin to build this tower do not go on with it, nor persevere in it, and it is their folly. It is true, we have none of us in ourselves enough to finish this tower, but Christ has said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you’. Nothing is more shameful than for those who have begun well in religion to give up.”

“I have rightfully no other business each day but to do God’s work as a servant, constantly regarding His pleasure. May I have grace to live above every human motive, simply with God and to God.” Henry Martyn

“No work that is set on following the Crucified escapes the cross.” Amy Carmichael

For some of us our flesh may be beginning to rise up saying “This isn’t sounding too good.” “I am not sure I want to suffer or go through the difficult.” Perhaps we are even asking “Why”? It certainly would be easier for God to just take us to heaven as soon as we became a believer – never having to deal with the valleys, never having to experience the hurts and pains this fallen world brings. Scripture gives us many reasons why God leaves us here. While certainly not exhaustive, a few are listed below:

• God desires to transform us into the image of His Son. This process is called sanctification: 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (NIV) This is done through the brick and mortar of human life experiences – God is always building to the end.
• As believers, we are the body of Christ and we are to be using our gifts to minister God’s grace in its various forms: 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
• We are to point others to Christ: 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
• It has been granted to us on behalf of Christ: 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Phil 1:29-30 (NIV)

These are only a few reasons yet we must also remember that we live in a fallen world. Pain is experienced by the redeemed and unredeemed alike. At least for the redeemed our pain and suffering always has purpose – that is the glorious promise of Scripture! This has a sweet ring to it since I have an aversion of wasting anything, particularly my pain (or my life!)! Paul tells those who” love Jesus with an undying love” in Romans:

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)