Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
Introduction
Shalom aleikhem... Peace be with you... Asomdwoe nka wo...
Moving from last week's message on Jesus care from our beginning to the end, we are going to the other side of the coin to discuss "The Cost of Discipleship." Amid God's love and care, there are still some costs to pay as Christ's disciples. Following Jesus is a wonderful journey, but it's also a journey that comes with challenges and sacrifices. Many of us are misinformed to believe that becoming and being a Christian ends all challenges, trials, and temptations. This sermonette will guide us to reflect and understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ and its associated challenges. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." (John 16:20).
Bible Explorations
1. Stand Firm for God
In the book of Amos, we see the prophet Amos being called by God to deliver a difficult message to Israel. God shows Amos a vision of a plumb line, symbolizing His standard of righteousness and justice. Amos is tasked with telling the people of Israel that they have fallen short of God’s standards and must repent.
Considering the cost of the message on the children of God, Amaziah, the priest of Bethel stood against the word of God and asked Amos to flee from their land, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” (Amos 7:12-13)
Obedience to God's Call is the required step. Amos was not raised as a prophet; he was a shepherd and a caretaker of sycamore trees (Amos 7:14-15). Yet, when God called him, he obeyed without hesitation. This teaches us that discipleship often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and being obedient to God's call, regardless of our background or qualifications.
Being a disciple or servant of the Most High God, you definitely do not need any requirement but obedience. God qualifies the called-out one. The first requirement of true discipleship is the willingness to accept in obedience to the call. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:7,15;4:7 Psalm. 95:7)
Have the courage to speak the truth. Amos had to deliver a tough message to the people, knowing it could lead to opposition. Being a disciple means having the courage to stand firm and speak God's truth, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
Stephen stood firm for the truth and paid the cost with his life, what would it cost for you to speak the truth?
2. Our Blessings in Christ
In Ephesians, Paul speaks about the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. He reminds us that we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
The disciple is chosen and loved. We are chosen by God to be His children. This is a great privilege and reminds us of our identity in Christ. "... He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, ... He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ..." (Ephesians 1:4-5).
The disciple is redeemed through His Blood. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins through His sacrifice on the cross (Eph. 1:7). This reminds us that discipleship involves acknowledging the cost/price that Jesus Christ paid for our salvation - "You are not your own, for you were bought at a price." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
The disciple is sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of the inheritance we have in Christ. This empowers us to live as disciples, knowing we are secure in God's promises. "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14).
3. The Cost of Being Christ Jesus
In Mark 6, we read the story of John the Baptist’s beheading. John was a faithful prophet who prepared the way for Jesus and boldly spoke out against sin, even when it put his life at risk.
The boldness of the disciple to proclaim God's truth in the face of death is glorification to God. John the Baptist exemplified the boldness required in discipleship. He was not afraid to confront Herod about his sin, even though it led to his imprisonment and subsequently his death.
Christ said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32). Knowing the truth and proclaiming the truth actually sets us free, centrally to the worldly understanding.
Christian discipleship is about sacrificial living. John’s life and death remind us that following Jesus can come with significant sacrifices. It may cost us our comfort, reputation, and in extreme cases even our lives.
This reminds me of the annual covenant prayer we kneel and pray to God, especially among the mainline historic churches;
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
This is a covenant with God, counting the cost of being His disciple. This is to say, no matter the cost oh! Lord, I am your bond servant.
Discipleship calls for faithfulness to the End. Despite the cost, John remained faithful to God’s mission. As disciples, we are called to remain faithful, trusting that our reward in Heaven far outweighs any earthly sacrifice.
Death may come our way, but in the hope of the resurrection of Christ, the faithful disciple of Christ lives on as Church triumphant and cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1).
As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, here are some practical ways you can live out the cost of discipleship:
1. Obey God in Small Things: Start by being faithful in the small tasks God gives you. Whether it’s being kind to a classmate, helping at home, or being honest, these small acts of obedience build your character as a disciple.
2. Stand Up for What’s Right: Like Amos and John the Baptist, don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular. This could be as simple as defending someone being bullied or standing by your beliefs. Silence is not always golden.
3. Remember Your Identity in Christ: Always remember that you are chosen, loved, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This gives you the strength and confidence to face any challenges that come your way.
4. Be Willing to Sacrifice: Sometimes following Jesus means giving up things we want. It could be time, popularity, or even friends. But remember, the reward of following Jesus is far greater than any temporary sacrifice.
Conclusion
The cost of discipleship is high and temporal, but the reward is incomparable and eternal. Jesus calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly, to be courageous, and to live sacrificially. Let’s commit to being faithful disciples, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Let's pray.
Dear Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. Help us to obey You, stand up for what’s right, and remember our identity in You. Give us the courage to make sacrifices for Your kingdom, knowing that our reward is in Heaven. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
shalom aleikhem...
