Count the Cost (Luke 14:25-32)
Gary McManus, 09/05/2021Part of the Sermons for a Pandemic series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Luke 14:25-32 Count the Cost
September 5, 2021
-- Twenty months of this world-wide Pandemic.
--In the U.S., it is as bad as ever.
Today’s God’s Word is about decision making.
Some Pastors have been vocal about what they
believe/think is best, but not much Bible.
It doesn’t mean that the Bible has nothing to say.
What IS Jesus saying.?
Luke 9, Jesus is set on going to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51, Luke 9:53)
It is Passover but Jesus states: “I go there to die.”
This will be no victory march or festival march.
This is an endurance test. Jesus is calling for recruits, not fans and well-wishers.
Jesus says, . . .think. . .consider what you are doing.
IS this about church membership? Pastor used to think so.
Jesus’ argument is about being sure that the follower has “counted the cost”. Say good-bye to your possessions, they will be Jesus’ possessions.
Don’t make a foolish decision based on your own abilities (winning a war with a smaller army) or your own judgment (my army can beat your bigger army).
Notice! No where here is anyone called upon to die for following Jesus. (Matthew 10:21, Mark 13:12, Luke 21:16) Jesus only talks about the death of followers “at the end” (Luke 21:16). It will be by betrayal, not service.
A Pastor said in March 2020, “I’m not afraid to die.”
Jesus would have us notice that there is a difference between not being afraid of death and risking death. Jesus is saying count the cost—but death isn’t what Jesus talked about. Possessions and family ties are not evil. But don’t let them hinder you in following Jesus. (Same thing in Luke 9.)
Jesus wanted live disciples, not dead ones.
Jesus is looking for living recruits. Followers
who will DAILY, while they LIVE, take up
their cross.
“ It’s not a badge of honor to say that you are
having services in-person.” --Denise Williams
(Her Pastor husband died of Covid-19.)
Pastor Gerald Glenn also died of the Coronavirus.
Dying for your faith IS brave but Jesus asked us
to live for Jesus. Which is better?
Talk about the Coronavirus RISK ASSESSMENT;
catching it, spreading it, hospitalized, death.
Do you have risk factors?
Is it just a cold? Maybe for some.
Every person is different.
Every patient is different.
--colds are different
--Does aspirin help? It depends.
--Is honey safe? Not to infants.
--Coronavirus? What is the risk?
What is the cost? It depends, doesn’t it?
Look at story of David verses Goliath.
Remember the details. David claims he will defeat
Goliath. King Saul offers his armor.
(1 Samuel 17:39)
David goes with his own experience.
David gave himself the best chances of winning.
Some will wear a mask in 2022. Coronavirus?
No—no colds.
We can avoid illnesses and do so every day.
Jesus’ question—go in harm’s way or avoid a risky venture? Jesus’ king character not only avoided battle, he sued for peace. Count the cost and remember, Jesus wants living witnesses.
Amen.
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