Day 294

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Symbolic of Jesus After the Lost!

Scripture

October 20—Luke 13-15: Comparisons by the Son of Man

Observation

Teaching that is plain and to the point is bound to produce some enemies, and Christ's teaching is no exception. His sermons are seldom veiled, and his purpose is never simply to make truth comfortable or palatable. Consider these pointed statements: "You, too, will perish unless you leave your evil ways and return to God" (13:3, 5). "Go tell that fox [Herod]..." (13:32). "Everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled" (14:11). "No one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings and then renounces them all for me" (14:33). But there is a tender side of Christ's teaching as well. The love of the Savior for lost sinners permeates his words. Three times in chapter 15 he illustrates the truth that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Application

Passersby admiring the latest in boating equipment are confronted by an enormous, sleek, shiny new yacht with these words stenciled on the bow: "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it!" They are being admonished to count the cost.

Two army generals confront one another, with their respective troops standing toe to toe on the battlefield. The generals sit down over a cup of coffee, study each other's strengths and weaknesses, and resolve their conflict without firing a shot! Again, they are counting the cost rather than engaging in a hopeless battle.

Discipleship is costly. It means rearranged priorities, inconvenience, expense, personal sacrifice. Read 14:25-35 carefully. Then count the cost in your own personal walk with the Lord. What are you willing to give up in order to put Christ first?

Prayer

Touch us with your Spirit, God, so that others may see more of Jesus in us. For you, Jesus Christ, was the first missionary. Your promise and arrival put the first missionary movement in action. We want the missionary spirit because we know it is not simply a phase of the gospel or a feature of the plan of salvation but because it is its very spirit and life. We are touched by the Spirit of God and are inspired to spread the Good News all over the world. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege and honor to serve you in bringing more lost souls into the Kingdom. In Jesus' name! Amen!
 
Welcome to the Kingdom!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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