Today, Monday, November 20, 2017, is the twenty-sixth message in a series of forty chapters in Russell Board's book entitled, 40 Days With Jesus.
You will not be the same after reading each of these inspiring and informative chapters. They are concise and comprehensive chapters and you will be captivated by each one.
Russell Board has wisely chosen just one word to give each chapter a title. Amazing. Effective. Profitable. Satisfying.
Stand by for the twenty-sixth chapter entitled, "Cost":
COST
Luke 14:15-35
Jesus has been invited to Sabbath dinner at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees. This parable is triggered by the remark of a guest who expresses great anticipation at feasting in the coming Kingdom of God. The parable pointedly overturns the assumptions of those present about who is to take part in that celebration.
There is great irony here. The Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner, and He came. Jesus was inviting the Pharisees into the Kingdom, but they refused. The Pharisees claimed to be eagerly awaiting the coming Kingdom, but when the King came into their midst, they did not accept Him. The Pharisees envisioned themselves as honored guests at the Kingdom feast, but they were in danger of finding themselves left out altogether.
In the parable, the invitees were graciously extended an invitation to a magnificent banquet, and were given advance notice to plan and get ready. They didn’t have to bring anything, but simply come and enjoy the hospitality of their host. But when the time came, they all had something better to do.
The first two invitees are involved in commercial transactions. One has purchased a field, the other five yoke of oxen. Perhaps these are indeed pressing matters of business. In any case, it is clear that for them the potential profit outweighs the benefit they anticipate from the banquet, as well as any prior commitment they made to the host.
The third invitee pleads an obligation to his new bride. It is not clear why this would prevent him from attending the banquet. But what is clear is that he isn’t interested in finding a way to fulfill his commitment.
The host is upset at the rudeness of the expected guests. He determines to hold the banquet regardless, and invites the poor and crippled and blind and lame, and even sends his servant out to urge anyone and everyone to come, no matter how lowly or unworthy.
The point is clear. The Kingdom is open to those who perceive its value and are willing to come, regardless of standing or merit; the Kingdom is closed to those who prioritize other things, regardless of how worthy they perceive themselves to be.
As Jesus’ fame grew, large crowds followed Him, with varying and sometimes muddled motives. Some were sick or bound, and looking to be healed. Some were hungry for truth, and looking for a Word from God. Some were curious, looking to see a good show.
Jesus did not pander to anyone or tailor His message to appeal to their expectations. He was not a demagogue seeking to stir up passions and raise a large following. He was simply uninterested in drawing huge crowds, and went out of His way to challenge His hearers in order to sort out the faithful followers from the fair-weather fans.
Here Jesus speaks blunt and scandalous words to make clear that there is no room among his disciples for hesitant or half-hearted hangers-on. There is a price to pay to follow Jesus, and it is a high one.
What exactly does Jesus mean when He speaks of hating our family, and our own lives? Obviously He does not want us to harbor malicious feelings toward our parents and siblings, or toward ourselves. The Hebrew idiom used “love” and “hate” to indicate the making of a resolute choice, the irrevocable selection of one option over another. (See Romans 9:13.)
Jesus’ words about hating family are intended to shock. The issue is one of commitment. He is calling for total allegiance, undivided loyalty. If it comes down to pleasing Jesus or pleasing family, we should be ready to choose Jesus. If it comes down to following Jesus or saving our lives, we should be ready to follow Jesus.
Of course, until we face a life or death situation, we cannot be sure how we might choose. But every day we are presented with a variety of situations in which we must choose between taking the way of Jesus or the way of the world, between pursuing His Kingdom or pursuing our own desires and ambitions. All of these situations become moments of decision: Jesus or my life? To bear the cross is to choose to sacrifice my life in order to follow Jesus.
We cannot set restrictions on Jesus’ demands. There is nothing off-limits, nothing outside the sphere of His authority. He insists on having final say on how we spend our money, how we use our time, how we live our lives. That is what it means to be Lord.
Jesus warns everyone up front about the cost of discipleship. Unfortunately, many have set off to follow Jesus only to turn back when sacrifices are required. It is wise to count the cost at the outset, for a half-hearted disciple is of no use to anyone.
The good news is that there is no qualifying exam to become a disciple of Jesus. The door is open to all, from any and every race, background, educational level or social class. The bad news is that the entrance fee is high: nothing less than all we have.
But that isn’t really bad news. Nothing is truly ours unless we give it to Jesus. All that we cling to for ourselves eventually decays or crumbles in our hands. But anything we give to Christ is transformed into a treasure that is beautiful and lasting.
Meditation: What do you have that is worth more than Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, I want to be Your disciple. Help me to see and to let go of anything that holds me back. Help me to make the choice to follow You every day.
You will not be the same after reading each of these inspiring and informative chapters. They are concise and comprehensive chapters and you will be captivated by each one.
Russell Board has wisely chosen just one word to give each chapter a title. Amazing. Effective. Profitable. Satisfying.
Stand by for the twenty-sixth chapter entitled, "Cost":
COST
Luke 14:15-35
Jesus has been invited to Sabbath dinner at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees. This parable is triggered by the remark of a guest who expresses great anticipation at feasting in the coming Kingdom of God. The parable pointedly overturns the assumptions of those present about who is to take part in that celebration.
There is great irony here. The Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner, and He came. Jesus was inviting the Pharisees into the Kingdom, but they refused. The Pharisees claimed to be eagerly awaiting the coming Kingdom, but when the King came into their midst, they did not accept Him. The Pharisees envisioned themselves as honored guests at the Kingdom feast, but they were in danger of finding themselves left out altogether.
In the parable, the invitees were graciously extended an invitation to a magnificent banquet, and were given advance notice to plan and get ready. They didn’t have to bring anything, but simply come and enjoy the hospitality of their host. But when the time came, they all had something better to do.
The first two invitees are involved in commercial transactions. One has purchased a field, the other five yoke of oxen. Perhaps these are indeed pressing matters of business. In any case, it is clear that for them the potential profit outweighs the benefit they anticipate from the banquet, as well as any prior commitment they made to the host.
The third invitee pleads an obligation to his new bride. It is not clear why this would prevent him from attending the banquet. But what is clear is that he isn’t interested in finding a way to fulfill his commitment.
The host is upset at the rudeness of the expected guests. He determines to hold the banquet regardless, and invites the poor and crippled and blind and lame, and even sends his servant out to urge anyone and everyone to come, no matter how lowly or unworthy.
The point is clear. The Kingdom is open to those who perceive its value and are willing to come, regardless of standing or merit; the Kingdom is closed to those who prioritize other things, regardless of how worthy they perceive themselves to be.
As Jesus’ fame grew, large crowds followed Him, with varying and sometimes muddled motives. Some were sick or bound, and looking to be healed. Some were hungry for truth, and looking for a Word from God. Some were curious, looking to see a good show.
Jesus did not pander to anyone or tailor His message to appeal to their expectations. He was not a demagogue seeking to stir up passions and raise a large following. He was simply uninterested in drawing huge crowds, and went out of His way to challenge His hearers in order to sort out the faithful followers from the fair-weather fans.
Here Jesus speaks blunt and scandalous words to make clear that there is no room among his disciples for hesitant or half-hearted hangers-on. There is a price to pay to follow Jesus, and it is a high one.
What exactly does Jesus mean when He speaks of hating our family, and our own lives? Obviously He does not want us to harbor malicious feelings toward our parents and siblings, or toward ourselves. The Hebrew idiom used “love” and “hate” to indicate the making of a resolute choice, the irrevocable selection of one option over another. (See Romans 9:13.)
Jesus’ words about hating family are intended to shock. The issue is one of commitment. He is calling for total allegiance, undivided loyalty. If it comes down to pleasing Jesus or pleasing family, we should be ready to choose Jesus. If it comes down to following Jesus or saving our lives, we should be ready to follow Jesus.
Of course, until we face a life or death situation, we cannot be sure how we might choose. But every day we are presented with a variety of situations in which we must choose between taking the way of Jesus or the way of the world, between pursuing His Kingdom or pursuing our own desires and ambitions. All of these situations become moments of decision: Jesus or my life? To bear the cross is to choose to sacrifice my life in order to follow Jesus.
We cannot set restrictions on Jesus’ demands. There is nothing off-limits, nothing outside the sphere of His authority. He insists on having final say on how we spend our money, how we use our time, how we live our lives. That is what it means to be Lord.
Jesus warns everyone up front about the cost of discipleship. Unfortunately, many have set off to follow Jesus only to turn back when sacrifices are required. It is wise to count the cost at the outset, for a half-hearted disciple is of no use to anyone.
The good news is that there is no qualifying exam to become a disciple of Jesus. The door is open to all, from any and every race, background, educational level or social class. The bad news is that the entrance fee is high: nothing less than all we have.
But that isn’t really bad news. Nothing is truly ours unless we give it to Jesus. All that we cling to for ourselves eventually decays or crumbles in our hands. But anything we give to Christ is transformed into a treasure that is beautiful and lasting.
Meditation: What do you have that is worth more than Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, I want to be Your disciple. Help me to see and to let go of anything that holds me back. Help me to make the choice to follow You every day.
Russell and Sandra Board are career IPHC missionaries. They are currently serving in Asia, and living in Saitama, Japan. Russell serves as the Director of Missions for Asia/Pacific IPHC World Missions Ministries.
Russell is as prolific writer and is no stranger to IPHC church members.
Russell wrote Sunday school Adult Student curriculum for One Accord Resources for use by IPHC and other Pentecostal denominations for 15 years. He also wrote Adult Teacher curriculum from time to time.
The book he wrote for new believers was revised in 2012 and reprinted in a new format under the title GROW. It is available here:
http://lifespringsresources.com/grow-maturing-believers-through-the-truths-of-the-christian-faith
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham and Russell Board co-wrote an e-book called CHRISTMAS BEFORE AND AFTER, where Russell penned 25 readings for Advent and Doug wrote 12 reading for the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is available on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Before-After-Doug-Beacham-ebook/dp/B00A7XJ3LC/ref=sr_1_5?
40 Days with Jesus is available through LifeSprings here: http://lifespringsresources.com/40-days-with-jesus-encountering-jesus-in-the-gospels
Also, the Kindle version is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Jesus-Encountering-Gospels-ebook/dp/B074G2NFDZ/ref=sr_1_3
If these messages of Russell Board are meaningful to you, please let me know. I need to hear from someone who has read them and has found meaning and enlightenment. Write me at: [email protected]
Russell is as prolific writer and is no stranger to IPHC church members.
Russell wrote Sunday school Adult Student curriculum for One Accord Resources for use by IPHC and other Pentecostal denominations for 15 years. He also wrote Adult Teacher curriculum from time to time.
The book he wrote for new believers was revised in 2012 and reprinted in a new format under the title GROW. It is available here:
http://lifespringsresources.com/grow-maturing-believers-through-the-truths-of-the-christian-faith
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham and Russell Board co-wrote an e-book called CHRISTMAS BEFORE AND AFTER, where Russell penned 25 readings for Advent and Doug wrote 12 reading for the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is available on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Before-After-Doug-Beacham-ebook/dp/B00A7XJ3LC/ref=sr_1_5?
40 Days with Jesus is available through LifeSprings here: http://lifespringsresources.com/40-days-with-jesus-encountering-jesus-in-the-gospels
Also, the Kindle version is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Jesus-Encountering-Gospels-ebook/dp/B074G2NFDZ/ref=sr_1_3
If these messages of Russell Board are meaningful to you, please let me know. I need to hear from someone who has read them and has found meaning and enlightenment. Write me at: [email protected]