Psalms: Window to Our Souls, Part 2Sample

Jesus made a very challenging statement to the crowd as they were following Him. In no uncertain terms He says, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27 ESV)

In the parable of the sower, Jesus also speaks of a seed that falls among the rocks (Matt 13:5-6) and is used to describe a person who initially accepts the Word quickly, but in the midst of sacrifice and cost, chooses not to follow Jesus. When we talk about being faithful to God in Psalm 131, do we consider the potential of what it might cost us in the future? Was this something you thought about before following Jesus Christ?

This idea is repeated in Luke 14:28, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" We live in a technological time where so many things are instantaneous, and for this reason our choices have become impulsive. Yet the challenge that Jesus is making here in Luke 14:28 is a call to follow Him completely. Such a call is not something we should take lightly or hastily. Consider your own journey to follow Jesus. How long has it taken you to believe in Him? Do you still struggle with doubt? Have you seen yourself tempted to only make a superficial commitment to follow Jesus? How has that mindset been challenged by these verses?