In Luke 14:33, It talks about the cost of discipleship. If we believe God's call is effectual, and those who He calls will come: Why does it follow with 'consider the cross' before you follow Christ. What I mean is, what is there to consider , we will indeed have to "live as Christ"
There was a man who was a police detective. He was at the top of his field. He had more medals and citations for bravery than General MacArthur. He resigned from law enforcement to enter the ministry. Being ordained, he preached the Word bravely, but suffered tremendously under deacons and other pastors who set out to deceive him and others and to destroy his ministry. He finally became very ill and today has limited use of his arms and legs. To type a simple letter or e-mail can take him hours because of the overwhelming pain. Now when he became a Christian he did not realize this was going to be his desert his call from God. He expected a career in the ministry. One of preaching and helping others. However, he remembers the Cross of Christ and realizes that Christ has called him to total commitment in his present state (2 Cor. 6:3-10).Thus, Christ's call, challenge, and command become very, very personal. It is both redemptive and motivational. It gives life and demands our lives. It gives faith and demands faith. May we love Him as He loves us.
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).