II Corinthians 4:5-7
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
May 5th
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Luke 14:21
Are we sincere in our desire to "prepare"? IF so, then again from day to day we "cast out demons" which invade the realms of thought-emotions. We must recognize them for the serpents they be, immediately casting them back into the Pit. Otherwise, HOW can we grow to become like unto our Lord?
What does it cost us? What be its price?
...WHAT is "sacrifice"? `To devote, or to give up something with loss or suffering' – seems to be the most comprehensive definition. But invariably with the thought or hope of thereby gaining something better.
In other words, UNLESS deeply within we are convinced that a reward or prize will be the outcome, then the sacrifice is largely folly. While if we are certain within, or even strongly believing, then our sacrifice can engender more joy than the loss we feel. THAT was the
JOY of the Father while enduring unto the Son's begetting. THAT was the JOY of Jesus of Nazareth throughout His sacrifice, and throughout the horror of torture upon the Cross: the VISION of the stupendous GOOD He was thereby achieving.
Discipleship (a Sermonette) (continued tomorrow...)