Tuesday, 25 July 2023
COUNT THE COST
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
In Acts 20:17–27, Luke tells us how Paul and his team left Troas and sailed to Miletus where he gave his heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus. There, he reminded them of how he served the Lord with all humility, in tears in the midst of adversity, affliction and trials.
In the twenty-third verse, he said, “…the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me. But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself…” (Acts 20:23-24 AMPC). This great apostle minced no words about the fact that he had put his life on the line for the sake of the Gospel. What an inspiration! What a commitment!
When you go through the scriptures written by the apostle Paul and the other apostles of the Lord, have you ever thought what it cost them to get the message across to us? Study Church history, and you’ll discover that many of them were killed for the sake of the Gospel.
Read about Stephen. His success in converting Jews drew the indignation of the Sanhedrin and he was stoned to death. Some were beheaded, crucified, burned at the stakes and others were thrown into cauldrons of boiling oil. So, you have to count the cost.
Be ready and willing to lay your life on the line for the Gospel, especially in these last days. Nothing should be too much for you to give up, give, or go through for the Gospel. No matter the sacrifices you make for the Gospel, be ready and willing to give your life for it, if it comes to that.
How dear is your life? Is it so important that you wouldn’t do more for the Lord, just so you could save your name, yourself, or the money you’ve got? Is that all there is about life to you? You should come to that point in your life where you’re absolutely convinced that nothing is too much for you to give for the Gospel, including your life. Jesus said in Mark 8:35, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, I remain resolute and unapologetic about the Gospel; I stand for the Gospel everywhere, preaching it boldly with absolute convictions, even unto death if need be. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:1-17 & Psalms 32-34
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:1-13 & Joshua 23