Luke 14: 25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Jesus tells us of a man unable to finish a job because he had not prepared. Great multitudes had begun to follow Jesus. He knew their hearts and their motives. He was not impressed by the huge crowds. We get hung up on numbers and let it affect our spiritual life. We ought to be burdened about the numbers, but we can’t let it rule us. We need to remember not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as we see the day of the Lord approaching, but we can’t force people to come.
Jesus was building something. It was not a political kingdom. What he did with three nails and two pieces of wood built salvation for the world. He was master of the universe. When he came to earth he began what was really started before the foundation of the world—our salvation. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
Jesus knew how long the people would follow him. Many started but didn’t count the cost. He wanted them to know the scope of discipleship. He laid out a simple example about a man building a tower. We see from verse 28 the man had good intentions. He intended to build this tower. He needed it. We need to be a Christian to get to heaven. We must keep our intentions to build for the Lord no matter how rough it gets. Are you still intent on pleasing the Lord? It’s not all mountain tops. Reality Christianity can be tough at times. When it settles into everyday living for the Lord, the devil tells us it’s not worth it. However, we can finish. We don’t have to quit!
The Master is Jesus. The disciples are us. He has provided means that are more than sufficient. When we start a house project, we go to where they have the supplies we need for each step of the job. Jesus is our super store. He is our provider. We must also provide what it takes from our inner storehouse. If we didn’t have a responsibility—no part in getting to heaven—the entire world would be saved, and man wouldn’t have to do a thing. There is one of two lives we can build. We can build on the rock or the sand. It was harder to dig into the rock to get the right foundation for the house, but to build it right it had to be done. People can make a profession and continue to live right on in sin if that’s what they want, but it will get them nowhere. Living right takes effort. We have what it takes to be a Christian, but are we willing to use it?
Jesus provides himself. He died for our sins and was buried. On the third day he arose. Whosoever calls upon him shall be saved. The Savior has been provided in the person of Jesus Christ. The man building this tower laid the foundation. We have the only foundation to build our lives on in Jesus. We build day by day as we walk by faith. The tower I build with my life must have Jesus as the foundation in order to stand.
We also have the scriptures. They are our instructions for living. The Bible spells out the way; all can understand the blueprint laid out for us to follow. He supplied his house for us to worship in. I’m glad to be here with you. This house is a directing point for our earthen house. We also have his lordship. That means he is the master; he’s the boss. Most religions give man the option of being his own boss. Man is elevated into a fake Christianity as if Jesus is forced to do our bidding. There is only one Lord. It is not us. Jesus is Lord. Life is at its easiest when we let Jesus be Lord of our life.
Our part is critical. If we don’t come through with what is expected of us we won’t be able to finish. We can’t build a big deck with six 2 x 6 pieces of lumber. We need more material than that. Likewise, having the material won’t build it either. It will lay there and rot if we just sit there and look at it. We must build.
For next week, think about men like Nehemiah and Haggai. These men saw something that needed to be done. How was it accomplished? Look at Acts 20, Philippians 1, and II Timothy 4.
You and I have what it takes. Are we willing to use it? Think about what you have that God can use.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 