Count The Cost

Matthew 8. One of the teachers of religious law said to Jesus, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”

His enthusiasm is to be admired.
His excitement is riveting.

But Jesus seems less-than-impressed by this mans swift devotion.

In Jesus fashion, He replies to the man by saying, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head.”

We may ask ourselves, what kind of affectionate response is this? And yet it displays kindness at the core.

Because Jesus is asking him to “count the cost.” Peter said it once, “Jesus, we have given up everything to follow You!” And yet it’s precisely what is required for those who are true followers of Jesus.

The abandonment of everything for the sake of the cross.
Comfort.
Ease.
Convenience.

The response of this religious teacher is rash and expedient. He seems, in fact, too quick to commit and possibly too weak in faith to fulfill.

Let it not be with me, Father.

May I have a heart so surrendered to you that all else pales in comparison.

May I daily consider the cost and faithfully choose the path that leads to where You are.

May the consideration of the cost always bring me to a determination to the call!