‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — Luke 14:28 NKJV
What does it mean to follow Christ? What does it mean to bear our cross and come after Jesus?
Is it possible that we can start and not finish our walk with God?
Well when Jesus invites us to follow Him and be His disciple, He is telling us that: 1. It will not be easy (carrying a cross is not easy.) 2. There is a cost.
In Hebrews, the author is speaking to the brethren, believers, and says:
“’Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, ‘Hebrews 3:12-14 NKJV
He tells them beware. Why? Lest they have an evil heart of unbelief and depart. Jesus said no one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62) — because it is a sign of unbelief and looking back is a step towards falling away.
The author in Hebrews continues and uses the example of the Israelites, who had seen the miracles, signs, and wonders of God, but yet because of their unbelief, they missed it. They could not enter into the rest God had promised them.
So you might say, well what is the cost, and how do we finish strong? Well the cost is — obedience. It means that you are not your own god. It means that we must wait on the Lord. We must be sensitive to His voice and direction. It means humility – acknowledging that His ways are higher, and His thoughts are wiser (Isaiah 55:8-9). Despite all that the children of Israel saw – the signs and wonders of God – the Lord still said of them that they went astray in their hearts (Hebs 3:10; ch 4:6).
So what can we do? How can we run this race and, by His grace, how can we complete it? “Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Ps 119:11).
That means when we are free, His word must be hidden in our hearts. When we are busy, His word must be hidden in our hearts. The only way that we can finish this race, that we can lay hold of that crown that is imperishable is with Him; with the Word of God.
We cannot follow Christ, without Christ. We need Him. So submit to Him. Read the Word. Pray. Draw close to Him. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. (James 4)
PRAYER: ‘With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord ! Teach me Your statutes. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.’ In Jesus name. Amen. Psalms 119:10-12,15-16 NKJV
For further study: Psalm 119: 9 – 16