Count the Cost

John 14:1 (NIV84)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Good morning Zebras,

I promised my son something without really thinking it through.  I didn’t realize how difficult or expensive it was going to be and although I can do it, I’m fighting a very human urge to wiggle out of it.  I know he would understand, but that really isn’t the point.  The point is I promised it and IF I can deliver I need to.

To highlight the importance of keeping my promise, I had someone renege on something they were going to do for me.  It might have been a misunderstanding, but I think they just decided they had promised me more than they were willing to deliver. And although I was upset, it was hard not to see myself in the situation.

And I thought:  I sure am glad God isn’t like us. I sure am glad He isn’t sitting up in heaven debating with Himself if He should actually fulfill His promises.   Or changing His mind and not doing it at all.

Jesus tells a parable recorded in Luke where He warns the disciples about counting the cost of following Him.  Most commentaries say the point of this parable is that we need to examine ourselves closely to see if we are willing to pay the price of being a disciple.   Are we willing to die to self and live only for Jesus?

Which is a good thought, but that isn’t how it worked for me. God didn’t show me in advance everything I was going to have to give up to follow Him.  If He had I might have backed out. Instead He just said follow me-and the path unfolded.  There was no way I could have counted the cost, because I didn’t know what the cost was.

However I recently read one commentary that says the parable is not referring us but to God. It is God who had to count the cost of finishing the work of salvation. He counted the cost of giving His Son from the very beginning and He was willing to pay it.

I like that interpretation because only God can really sit and assess what it is going to take to accomplish a task and have the power to follow through.

If I logically look at something and decide I have enough strength and resources to accomplish it, then I am a fool.  I know how quickly my best resolve gives way to failure.  It works much better if I focus on God, trusting He has the strength and resources to finish the work He has started in me. As Paul says I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Personally, I find it that very reassuring.

Love,

Jill