A Costly Calling

A Costly Calling?

Luke 9:23-26, 57-62, 14:25-32

January 20, 2019

If you were to ask my sister’s - - they would have quickly told you I was cheap. I did my best not to spend money as I was growing up. Not that I had much, but I will admit I got away with not contributing much to group presents. Usually, I had to kick in $2. But then again, it was back in the 70's.

I’d like to think today, I’m not as cheap as I used to be, now, I’m more thrifty and frugal. I look for bargains, good deals and I use coupons. I think that’s wise.

Also, and I would hope most of us would be this was, I try to calculate the cost of whatever I am going to purchase or what I’m going to do. When you buy a home, you calculate the payment and determine if you can afford it.

When looking for books for Joshua and Zachary, we search lots of websites for the best prices. When making decisions about careers, hopefully Joshua and Zachary, are looking for the best opportunities.

We should be doing this for all of our major decisions. Yet, on the other hand, we should be doing this on a daily basis. We should be determining if what we wear is honoring to God. Is my conduct becoming of a Christ follower, are my words and actions glorifying God. What would God say about what I’m posting on social media . . . snapchat, instagram, facebook, tinder, and whatever else we’re using. Is God pleased with what we’re doing?

We’re in our 4th week of the year and we’re looking at the fact that God has called us into ministry. We all have a purpose and a plan set out by God. It’s a matter of us to discover God’s call, then to accept that call and follow wherever God is leading us.

None of us are an accident! We were created by the Master Architect, God, for a purpose. Some people will balk at God’s plan, others test the waters and say no, while some will jump in and follow God.

Serving God is not for a select few, but for every believer in Jesus. If you believe that, then the question is “What is my mission? What is God calling me to do?”

Yet, the path, the journey as we follow Jesus is not always easy. Sometimes we’re called to do things we never imagined we could. Sometimes we’re called to move to a different part of the world, let alone, a different part of the state.

Next week, I’m going to share a scripture that was very real for me as I believed God was calling me to follow Him, not only as a follower, but ultimately to go into ministry. Who I am today is very different from who I was way back then. So, next week, that will be some of what I talk about.

For now, I want us to look at a passage in Luke 9. It’s really pretty harsh sounding. If we don’t understand what Jesus is getting at, then it can sound like He’s being mean or rude to those who are approaching Him.

Let’s look at this passage from Luke 9:57-62 —

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

59 To another He said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”

62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:57-62

So, this sounds pretty in your face by Jesus. Some guys want to follow Him, and He’s laying the law down. What’s up with this? Wouldn’t you think Jesus would be a little more accommodating? More welcoming?

I really believe we tend to get easily distracted. Think about how many times you walk into a room and forget what you needed. Have a conversation get interrupted and you can’t remember what you were just talking about. Have something you want to add to a conversation, and before they get to you, we forget our great thought! Am I the only one this ever happens to?

I also believe satan uses distraction as a way to move us further from following Jesus. Normally, I would never ask you to get out your cell phones during worship, but for the next few seconds if you have a cell phone take it out, hold it.