THE COST TO FOLLOW JESUS…

“As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, ‘ I will follow you wherever you go.‘ But Jesus replied, FOXES HAVE DENS TO LIVE IN, AND BIRDS HAVE NESTS, BUT THE SON OF MAN HAS NO PLACE TO LAY HIS HEAD. He said to another person, COME FOLLOW ME. The man agreed but said,’ Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him, LET THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD BURY THEIR OWN DEAD! YOUR DUTY IS TO GO AND PREACH ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Another said,’ Yes, Lord, I will follow you but first let me say good-by to my family.’ But Jesus told him, ANYONE WHO PUTS A HAND TO THE PLOW AND THEN LOOKS BACK IS NOT FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Luke 9:57-62

There is a huge cost in following Jesus. There are many in this world who want it all. They want to be able to follow Jesus in his ways, but they also want to be able to do what they have been doing in the world. They want to keep one foot in the world and one foot with Jesus. The Lord makes it very clear in Luke 9 that this is not possible. Our hearts must be in the right place when we follow Him. When we make our decision to walk with the Lord, we must cut ties with evil and make our intentions good and live life with the wisdom of God. Yes, we will stumble and even fall at times, but the Lord is always there to pick us up and put us back on the right path. When we do make mistakes, it is up to us to train ourselves to immediately go to Him in prayer and be repentant for what we have done. We are to then ask for His forgiveness and move forward in his ways. Some believe that when they walk with the Lord their lives will become easier. It is actually just the opposite. Jesus did not live an easy life here on earth. He had no home to retire to at night, he was persecuted, laughed at and even spit upon. Jesus explains to those around him that there is a great sacrifice to follow him. We are to change and to never look back at the ways we once thought and lived our lives. We instead, are to look forward and focus on the ways of Christ Jesus and be examples in this world to those we know and are associated with. We are to help our families to have better lives in Christ and be not only safe from the world but be overcomers. It may not seem possible as we look at Jesus through our human eyes, but as we begin to see things in God’s perspective, they become clearer, and we are able to represent him without fear or doubt. It is hard work to follow Jesus! It takes dedication and a deep desire within our hearts! However, in order to achieve eternal salvation, we must follow Jesus. Are you ready? PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!