Took this picture at a Project 24 Rescue center school. I think about it a lot. Jesus says you need to calculate the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14 we read.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
Project 24 started because folks calculated what it would take to do what they felt Christ would want done. They thought twice before they leapt but it was a leap of faith. The calculations had less to do with success than with discipleship and the one who calls us to take up the cross. The calculus of the disciple is the cross.
Project 24 is still going on and the rumors of its demise are exaggerated. Those having trouble with donations please bear with us and keep trying. We have had some difficulties over the last six months that we will detail in these pages, but the fact is Project 24 is very much at work and trying to follow the one who promised not to leave us as orphans. (John 14:18)
Deart Pastor,
I think of that passage too, alot. There are so many reasons why.
So often we settle for a cheap, “ways off” following of the cross of Christ, not unlike the disciples who caved when the chips were down!
So often we say or hear said “Yes I would like to be counted as a disciple but only when it is convenient.” Oh, it is not said in those exact words but just ask for help teaching SS in church or for help in starting a Bible study or for that matter even visiting the sick or help with a VBS program.It is usually the matter of time, they just do not have the time to help out or a favorite”you do such a good job!” Another favorite line which has really grown in popularity recently is ” this is not my area of giftedness!”
We are so complacent. We will throw an extra dollar we didn’t really need in the plate when an appeal comes for funds but real honest-to-goodness, rubber-meets-the road discipleship is so rare.
On another side of the issue, I often get confused in knowing exactly what I should be doing in His service. I feel pulled in a direction but doors close more often than open so I am never sure if it is God guiding me in another direction or if He wants me to work at something more in a totally different direction. We often hear how everything falls into place when we are going where He wants us to go but what if things fall apart half way through? Did He want us going in a new direction or is He testing our tenacity? This question plagues me alot!
Do we step out of our comfort zone trusting He will supply all our needs or do we count the cost and hold back? Now, somethings are so evident! I know God would not call me to be a brain surgeon for many reasons but what about the areas that He could very well be calling me but the timing seems different than I would think? Maybe the funds to pursue something in a new direction just are not there. Do we wait or carry on trusting?
I think the cost of true discipleship costs alot more than we would calculate but nothing invested in time, talent or treasure is ever wasted in the work of the Lord it pays great dividends beyond our wildest imagination!
Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to process this concept of discipleship tonight! It is a topic that really intrigues me!!
Betty M.