It Cost Too Much

Acknowledgements

I thank God for the honor and the privilege of being here and having the opportunity to declare His word today.

Thank God for [Insert Pastor/ Bishop’s Name] & [Insert First Lady]. Truly a gift to the body of Christ. Thank You for your service, sacrifice, and commitment. I look forward to times of refreshing as we fellowship after this moment. Thank God for you.

Please bow your head with me for a moment of prayer.

Prayer

Father God, I admit my inability to preach without your authorization and anointing to do so. Father would you give me divine strength to preach your word today. Help me not to be afraid of the faces that I see, settle my nerves in this moment and provide me with the clarity of thought and nimbleness of mind to articulate your ancient truths in this present moment. Open our hearts to receive truth today, O Lord, my God and my redeemer. Amen!

Intro

How can we be sure that we will receive a commendation from Christ on that great day?

Is that not the desire of every believer to hear those beloved words “well done thy good and faithful servant”?

I am not referring to Justification whereby we can stand confidently before the throne of God because of the finished work of Christ. Nor am I debating the sanctification process which is a lifelong process until we reach the point of Glorification, where we rise too meet the Risen Savior. I’m talking about On that glorious day, what will be God’s response to our life lived here on earth? In other words, will our lives down here match the will of the father up there?

God is so gracious through the Holy Spirit to answer the curiosity of our hearts through His word.

You see this was the same heart posture of the Jewish audience that Luke was primarily although not exclusively. An affluent and well read bunch looking for affirmation and validation for their lifestyle before God.

Part of me wonders if they were similar to their contemporary counterparts, the wealthy who engage in labor practices that exploit the poor, use their wealth for to support political agendas regardless of the moral compass of the individuals elected, and who contribute to environmental harm because although they are impacted they can afford to rebuild while poorer communities are left disillusioned and devastated.

I wonder are they sincere believers who may just be operating as fools because they say in their heart there is no God. We have often understood the word fool to be used as an insult to one’s intelligence. Instead this word refers to one who vehemently rejects wisdom. Someone who maybe believes in God but in his heart of hearts subscribes to the idea that God is not concerned with the affairs of men and that He won’t call men to account for how they steward their lives, so then why not engage in all types of corrupt deeds (Psalm 14).

Are these the same people asking for validation and affirmation of their faith?

Lest we be too quick to judge let us examine the word of God today.

In our text today God in His goodness provides examples for us whereby we can see our reflection as in a mirror and review ourselves for possible adjustments to be made.