What Jesus Did! 'No Easy Commitment' — Luke 14:28-30

Saturday, September 7, 2019

"If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost. You must see if you have enough money to finish the job. If you don't do that, you might begin the work, but you would not be able to finish. And if you could not finish it, then all the people watching would laugh at you. They would say, 'This man began to build, but he was not able to finish!'"
— Luke 14:28-30 NLT
Illustration of Luke 14:28-30 NLT — "If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost."

Key Thought

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it many years ago, "When Christ calls a man, he calls him to follow him to a cross and die." Bonhoeffer paid that cost when he died at the hands of the Nazis in WWII. Our commitment to Christ isn't a simple thing that happens between our ears. Jesus cautions us that this commitment is heartfelt and soul deep. He warns us not to pretend to follow, but to know there is a cost that comes with following him. Jesus calls us to count the cost, and then to follow him.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, too often I find my service to you and to the Kingdom lukewarm and passionless. Father, I not only ask for your forgiveness, but I also ask that you renew and revive me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Stir me to be the follower of Jesus you want me to be. I offer you my life, my love and my all in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 12:1-3
  • Luke 18:26-30
  • John 15:18

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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