“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30 KJV).
Our Lord Jesus Christ, continuing on His message of the heavy cost on being His disciples, uses the analogy of careful budget planning before building a tower. These passages within the context of grace and true discipleship, give contrast with "law" observance. It highlights that while the Lord asks followers to count the cost, the focus is to rely on God’s grace to finish the work, rather than self-effort. One needs to be detached (hate) reliance on family and self. Then, look to Christ Jesus and totally rest on His grace.
The Lord Jesus while talking about the cost, His ultimate message is about understanding that His grace supplies what is needed. In “counting the cost”, He calls us to be wise, not to operate on our own in fear, but to "sit down" and surrender to Him the planning, whether in life or every aspects of endeavors in life. That is our walk in this journey of living. The "cost" is not about struggling in our own strength to meet a standard or to succeed on something, but by trusting in Him to "finish" the work in us. Always conscious, by faith, that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5).
In essence, with these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that while we should count the cost, we should rely on God to supply all that's needed, the strength to complete the "tower" of our lives. As children of God in Christ Jesus by faith, we are assured by His promise, as revealed through the Apostle Paul, it is written: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
1 comment:
Amen.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.
Post a Comment