Old Testament reading: Psalm 32-35
“Love your enemies” (Matt 5:44). David exemplifies the spirit of his Lord as he entreated God on their behalf: “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother” (35:13-14). Rather than cursing them or taking joy in their adversity, David grieved over his enemies’ misfortune. The return of his prayer to his own heart is an interesting thought. David realized his prayers for his enemies did not help them, but he believed his prayers were not in vain, as it was a blessing to him to pray on their behalf. So taught our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matt 5:43-45).
New Testament reading: Luke 14-16
Have you counted the cost? No great journey or undertaking should be commenced without a consideration of cost, lest we find ourselves short of our goal and unable to finish. So it is with discipleship. One cannot faithfully follow Jesus apart from great deliberation and diligence. Those inclined to shallow, emotional decision making are almost certain to fail when they are weighed by the burden of their cross. This truth is also illustrated in the explanation of the stony soil in Luke 8 as well as the admonition to deny self in Luke 9:23. Regarding the cost of discipleship, one thing must be remembered at all times… it is worth it (cf 1 Peter 1:7-9)! No cost is too great, no hill is too steep, and no burden too heavy to bear when heaven awaits! Note also how mockery in this life is also a price to pay for our failure to count the cost (14:29-30). Naysayers are always at the ready to ridicule those who start their journey with Christ, only to abandon it when the path becomes too difficult. Don’t give them the satisfaction! Show them the discipline and determination that comes through faith!
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