The cost and rewards of following Jesus

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus? Many of us claim to be followers of Christ, but do we fully understand the implications of that commitment? Today, let's explore the profound journey of discipleship and what it entails.

The Decision That Changes Everything

Choosing to follow Jesus is undoubtedly the most significant decision one can make in life. It's a choice that transforms our entire existence, giving us purpose, hope, and eternal significance. However, this decision comes with both costs and rewards that we must carefully consider.

Counting the Cost

Jesus never sugar-coated the realities of following Him. He was clear about the potential sacrifices involved. In Luke 14:25-33, we're challenged to "count the cost" before committing to discipleship. This isn't meant to discourage us, but rather to prepare us for the journey ahead.

What might following Jesus cost us?

1. Comfort and Security: Jesus once said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Following Jesus might mean leaving behind familiar comforts and stepping into the unknown.

2. Relationships: Sometimes, our decision to follow Christ can strain relationships with family and friends who don't understand or share our faith. Jesus even said that unless we love Him more than our closest relations, we cannot be His disciples.

3. Personal Ambitions: Following Jesus often requires us to lay down our own plans and dreams, surrendering them to God's greater purpose for our lives.

4. Worldly Success: At times, our faith might cost us opportunities for advancement or financial gain if they conflict with our Christian values.

The Rewards of Discipleship

While the costs may seem daunting, the rewards of following Jesus far outweigh any sacrifice we might make. As we journey with Christ, we experience:

1. Unshakeable Peace: Even in life's storms, we have the assurance that Jesus is with us, just as He was with the disciples in the boat during the tempest.

2. Divine Purpose: Our lives take on eternal significance as we align ourselves with God's plans.

3. Spiritual Power: Like the demon-possessed man who was freed by Jesus, we too can experience liberation from the forces that once controlled us.

4. Everlasting Hope: No matter what challenges we face, we have the promise of eternal life and a future beyond our imagination.

Navigating the Storms of Life

One of the most comforting truths for followers of Jesus is that we're never alone in life's turbulent waters. The story of Jesus calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27) serves as a powerful reminder of this reality.

When the disciples found themselves in the midst of a terrifying tempest, they panicked, crying out, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Meanwhile, Jesus was peacefully asleep in the boat. His response to their fear is both a rebuke and a comfort: "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

This story teaches us several crucial lessons:

1. Jesus is always with us, even when He seems silent or inactive.
2. Our circumstances don't define God's care for us.
3. Faith is trusting Jesus even when the storms are raging.
4. Jesus has authority over every storm in our lives.

Facing Spiritual Battles

As followers of Christ, we must also be prepared for spiritual warfare. The account of Jesus casting out demons (Mark 5:1-20) illustrates the reality of this battle and Christ's supreme authority over dark forces.

The man possessed by a "legion" of demons was in a pitiful state – isolated, tormented, and beyond human help. Yet, in an encounter with Jesus, he was completely transformed. This story reminds us that:

1. No situation is too dire for Jesus to intervene.
2. Christ's power is infinitely greater than any evil force.
3. Our battles are often spiritual in nature, requiring spiritual solutions.
4. Jesus can restore even the most broken lives.

Living Out Our Faith

Following Jesus isn't just about personal transformation; it's also about impacting the world around us. After healing the demon-possessed man, Jesus instructed him to "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19).

This commission applies to all of us who have experienced Christ's transforming power. We are called to:

1. Share our testimony with others
2. Demonstrate Christ's love through our actions
3. Be light in dark places
4. Stand firm in our faith, even when it's unpopular

The Journey of a Lifetime

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to pick up our cross and follow Him. It's a journey filled with challenges, growth, and incredible experiences of God's faithfulness.

As we navigate this path, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

In conclusion, the decision to follow Jesus is indeed the greatest one we can make. While it comes with costs, the rewards are immeasurable. We gain a Savior who calms our storms, fights our battles, transforms our lives, and gives us eternal purpose. So, let us count the cost, but also remember the immense privilege and joy of walking with Christ. As we do, may we echo the words of the psalmist: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6).