Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 14:25-35.
Memory Verse: “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 (KJV)
Jesus Christ says if you intend to build a tower, you will need to sit down and estimate the cost and ascertain that you will have enough to finish it. Otherwise, after laying the foundation and unable to finish it, people will begin to mock you that you started what you could not finish ( Luke 14:28-30). Similarly, if you want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you need to sit down and count the cost so that you do not start with him but stop following him midway because you did not agree with some of his ways. This, indeed, is the reason many Christians have fallen by the way. And remember Luke 9:62 (KJV), “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
So what does it cost to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ? The answer is stated by Jesus Christ himself in Luke 14:33 (KJV), “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” You must give up all you have to be a true disciple of Christ. This entails putting God first in everything you do and where there is any conflict between your love for God and your love for any of those dear to you including yourself, you must choose God! This is succinctly stated in Luke 14:26.
Anyone going against the will of God can be likened to a swimmer swimming against the tide of the water, it will be a struggle which may consume him except he surrenders early. On the other hand, if he flows with the tide of the river (surrenders completely to Christ), the swimming becomes easy. Similarly, it is a herculean task following Christ and struggling with Him in a number of areas because you have not forsaken such. However, where you surrender all, the journey becomes easy because you do not need to look for reasons to take any decision. All will be based on the word of God and as He said in Psalm 32:8 (KJV), “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” You just need to be attentive to Him and study his words regularly so that you can hear Him when He talks!
So what situation are you struggling with now? Search yourself whether you are disobeying any teaching of the Lord and speedily work towards compliance. Otherwise, ask God for the reason for that struggle and He will answer you because He has said so in Jeremiah 33:3.
Prayer point: Lord, help me to forsake all and follow you in all my endeavours.
Bro Biodun Oyapero