OC has a view of this verse which I had never considered. He says Christ is not referring to our counting of costs but His. He came to earth knowing what it would take: becoming a man, being hated, suffering unfathomable agony. The amazing thing is that we are part of His plans. Before undertaking all that he faced, He was willing to go forward with a plan that included counting on us to spread his Word. 

No wonder He expects commitment from us as His disciples.. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple ” (Luke 14:26  ). This verse teaches us that the only men and women our Lord will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately, and with great devotion— those who have a love for Him that goes far beyond any of the closest relationships on earth. The conditions are strict, but they are glorious.

To be part of His great endeavor, His Father’s plan to save souls, is an  incredible honor. It’s worth the dedication, love and focus that’s required.

Let’s make sure we are doing all that is necessary to be available for His work.

It was great today to see some of the results of His great endeavor. I was honored to be in Abbeville with many from Amana and many other churches gathering to honor Him and to seek his favor on the National Day of Prayer. It’s easy to fall into dissatisfaction with all that is wrong with the world. It was good to spend time with the products of His efforts from many different churches in many different packages, but all obviously very much in love with Him.

It was a great blessing and a motivation to keep on working.

Nick