Consider the Cost: A Journey of Faith and Sacrifice

The Cost of Following Jesus

Before sin, the concept of cost simply did not exist. The citizens of heaven and other created worlds never had mortgage payments, rent checks, or grocery bills. They didn't shop for insurance rates, deal with frenetic shoppers, or track Amazon deliveries. But as soon as sin entered the universe, so did that age old question: How much does it cost?

Sin originated within the heart of Lucifer, the most exalted of all heavenly angels. His dissatisfaction was without cause, yet he was given the opportunity to repent and submit to God's will. Lucifer nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade him. For him, the cost was too great a sacrifice to admit that he was wrong.

Lucifer's decision to reject divine grace reflects a broader reality in our own lives. Often, we are faced with choices that require us to weigh the cost. Do we cling to our pride, or do we humble ourselves and seek reconciliation? In choosing pride, we might avoid immediate discomfort, yet we risk long-term repercussions and even eternal separation from God. This is a profound reminder of the consequences that pride can inflict on us.

The Price of Rebellion

Lucifer's rebellion led to a war in heaven, and he, along with a third of the angels, were cast out. For the first time, they realized there was a price for rebellion. The Bible counsels us to consider the cost. In Matthew, Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls who, upon finding one of great price, sold all he had to buy it. The emphasis here is on cost, not value. A higher cost is often associated with greater value, and yet salvation, worth more than anything, is 100% free.

Salvation is a free gift, it can't be earned through personal merit. This shatters the belief that if it's free, it can't be worth much. The reality is that it cost everything, and yet Jesus has offered it to us for free.

This challenges our understanding of worth and value. In human terms, we equate cost with work, but in divine terms, the cost is borne entirely by Christ and independent of our works. It is a humbling realization that invites us to approach God with gratitude and reverence, recognizing that the greatest gift we could ever receive comes through grace, not our efforts. This is the true essence of faith—a reliance on the blood of Christ rather than upon ourselves.

The Cost of Doing and Not Doing

Since sin's introduction, there will always be a cost to consider. It goes in two directions: the cost of doing something versus the cost of doing nothing. Jesus' earthly ministry began with a simple invitation to his disciples, "Come and follow me." Implicit in that invitation was the need to consider the cost.

Much like the disciples, we are asked to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. When Jesus declared himself to be the Bread of Life, many of His disciples found this to be a hard saying to understand and walked with (followed) him no more. And yet when Jesus asked his closest disciples, "Will you also leave me?" Peter answered, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God." The twelve had considered the cost of not following Him. They believed that He was the Son of God and that by following Him they would receive eternal life. So the question for today is, are you willing to do the same? Are you willing to follow the Lamb wherever He goes no matter what the cost?

The decision to follow Jesus is a continual process of evaluating the costs and benefits. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31, "I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." Not only did he know of the potential consequences of proclaiming his faith in Jesus, he also knew of the constant daily struggle of submission and renewal of this commitment.

Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to demonstrate this commitment to follow Christ. Are we willing to face ridicule for our beliefs? Can we sacrifice comfort and convenience for the sake of truth? These are questions that God's remnant people must ask themselves and we must recommit ourselves to discipleship on a daily basis. The path to salvation is not easy, but the rewards are profound and everlasting.

Following the Truth

Following Jesus means following the truth. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus equals way, truth, and life. You can't remove the truth and still follow Jesus because he is the truth. There's always a cost to truth. It may cost your complacency, status, or even your life.

But whatever the cost, it pales in comparison to the eternal bliss of life in heaven. It's nothing compared to what it cost the Father and Son. Jesus' heart was moved with infinite compassion for a lost world. Divine love conceived a plan of redemption, requiring the life of the sinner. Only Christ could satisfy the claims of the divine law and redeem man from its curse.

In our pursuit of truth, we must be prepared to face opposition, both external and internal. The world often resists change and challenges to its status quo, just as our own hearts might resist the transformation that truth demands. Yet, the reward of living in alignment with divine truth is immeasurable. It offers a sense of purpose and direction that transcends the fleeting comforts of this world.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Christ took upon himself the guilt and shame of sin, so offensive to a holy God that it separated Him from the Father. The plan of salvation which was laid even before creation, was the only way to rescue the doomed human race. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son" John 3:16.

The depths of God's love and sacrifice are incomprehensible. By repentance and faith in Christ, we can, through adoption, become sons (and daughters) of God. The Father and Son considered the cost of giving and sacrificing for us, their beloved children, for all eternity. They considered the cost and then gave all to save us. Salvation is free, because the cost has already been paid.

The ultimate sacrifice of Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is a testament to the boundless love and mercy of God—a love that defies human understanding. This sacrifice calls us to respond with love, gratitude, and a willingness to sacrifice in return. It challenges us to live lives that reflect the grace we have received, to extend compassion to others, and to share the message of salvation with a world in desperate need.

As we reflect on the cost of following Jesus, let us also remember that the ultimate cost was borne by our Savior. Let it inspire us to live with courage and conviction, knowing that the journey of faith, though fraught with challenges, leads to a destiny of eternal life from the Father through the Son and ultimate sacrifice that was made.

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