Paraphrase: (8/19/06)
Lk 14:28-30 Nobody starts to build without first determining whether he can afford to finish the building. Were it otherwise, and funds ran out with only the foundation laid, that man would be a laughingstock. “See?” they would say. “There is the man who could not finish his building.”
Key Verse: (8/19/06)
Lk 14:28 – Consider the costly devotion required of you before you decide, lest you fail to persevere for lack of real commitment.
New Thoughts (8/20/06)
The only thing to be said here is that discipleship is costly. It’s no simple commitment that Jesus calls us to. He has laid out the cost before His followers, and it is high indeed. It’s going to cost you everything to come follow this Teacher. He will not accept any distraction. He will not accept the student who holds to other commitments. He does not call us into seclusion, He simply calls us to stand out. He warns us that we shall suffer ridicule, persecution and more; we may be called upon to truly lay down our lives as a testimony to His Truth.
Well, we must understand that this is a covenant relationship we’re considering. We are dealing with a contract of the highest sort. Like Abraham, we are presented with the terms of the covenant. God has laid out all the things He will do on our behalf, and He has laid out all that He requires of us in return. What He requires is all out commitment. He will not accept anybody into His school who hasn’t got what it takes to complete the course. That is in part why He sets out such a discouraging list of conditions and predictions at the start. He is as much as saying, “Don’t even bother if this seems like too much to ask.”
The question that comes to mind, in consideration of this rather harsh offer is how we can settle for the simple aping of some ritual prayer. “Just say these words after me, and you’re in.” That’s how we have reduced the call of Christ. Nothing is really said about what may come of it. Nothing is really said about what might be expected of the one who has called Him ‘Lord.’ We simply point to their sin, point to His purity, and ask which they like better. We’re getting better, I suppose. At least there is some thought given to discipling these converts after the fact. What is shocking to me is that here I see Jesus pretty much reversing that approach. He disciples first: Here’s what it’s all about. Let me explain to you just how hard this is going to be. Let me tell you how much pain you’re going to endure. It’s more like a Marine recruiting effort than the typical church approach.
I’ve got to say that there is absolutely nothing ‘seeker friendly’ about Jesus. He welcomes all who come, to be sure. There is not an earnest request that He will reject, but He does not automatically include all comers as being among His number. It’s one thing to come and be healed. It’s quite another to come looking to really change. It’s one thing to come and take what is offered. It’s an altogether different matter to come offer oneself. Isaiah never said, “Here am I, Lord, come clean me up.” He acknowledged his sinful condition, but he never even thought to so presume upon God. No, he had one thing to say, other than to bemoan his failure to measure up. “Lord, send me.” That is the sound of a disciple. That is the sound of the sort of follower Jesus is accepting. Whatever You say, Lord, I’m Your man.
So, for those who, like me, can become a little tongue-tied when faced with the opportunity to speak into somebody’s life; for those who, like me, find it hard to consider speaking up for this One we call our Master; Jesus has offered a bit of incentive here. He as much as says that if we think we’re embarrassed now, we should really think about what people will say of us when they find that we were Christians but we failed to speak of the Christ. “This man began to build, but couldn’t finish.” “This man began the race, but collapsed before he got halfway to the finish line.” This man thought to pursue righteousness, but he couldn’t do what it takes.
Jesus, that is surely no testimony I care to hear said of me, yet I know that even in the last week it has been the testimony I have earned. So many ways I seem to cast dirt on my own example, so many ways that I testify to failure; yet You still set those opportunities before me, opportunities to testify of something greater than myself. And, what do I do with these opportunities? I let them pass. I count the cost, and decide it’s too much to pay. What if they should reject me for that? What if they won’t talk to me any more? God! I’ve got to grow beyond this. I’ve got to reach that point where You truly are Lord, where I will gladly do what You ask of me, without the least hesitation. I fear to come before You and discover that I am one of whom You shall be ashamed before Father. Let it not come to that, my Lord. I need Your discipline, Holy One, that I may be bold in Your service. So let it be done to me, my God, even as You have pleased.
