The cost
by Ruth Olsen
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Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’ (Luke 9:62).
Jesus didn’t do his own thing. His focus was on what his Father was doing (see John 5:19–23). ‘By myself I can do nothing … I seek not to please myself but him who sent me’ (John 5:30). Neither can we do anything of the Father’s purposes by ourselves. But Jesus reassures us: ‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:1 NLT). His enabling grace is sufficient for whatever we need (2 Corinthians 12:9); that takes time for us to learn. Even the Spirit of truth will not speak on his own but only what he hears (John 16:12–15), training our focus.
Yes, it will cost us to follow Jesus. But it’s right there, in the midst of whatever is happening, that we can discover his presence and companionship with us, the empowering love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Teach me your ways O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Amen.
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