2 Samuel 1-2, Luke 14 - Do you have what it takes?

1 Samuel ends with a battle that leaves Saul and his son Jonathan dead. 2 Samuel begins with a person who escapes from that battle coming to David to tell him the news. Thinking that David and Saul are enemies the messenger tells David that he had killed Saul after seeing him wounded. However, this is not truthful. He expects a reward but David is angry that he had killed the Lord's annointed and had the messenger killed. What a turn of events!

Chapter 2 begins with David inquiring of the Lord of his next move. This is something that I really respect about David - he inquires of the Lord before every decision he makes. When I look back at my own past mistakes, many of them are because I failed to ask God for guidance. I shouldn't think myself very smart, God's wisdom is better.

Luke 14 is interesting. Right now I am in sales. I'm always honest with people and try to give an accurate presentation of what they are buying, but it is still generally considered good salesmanship to point out the more positive things and not drawing attention to the negative. If Jesus is trying to recruit for the kingdom, he isn't using slick salesmanship! He is giving the people a painfully clear presentation of what they are signing up for. Jesus says in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life- he cannot be my disciple." Then Jesus talks about constructing a tower and budgeting. Do you even begin construction if you don't have the money to complete it? In the same way Jesus is telling us to count the cost. Are you up to it? In Luke 14:33 he says "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Can you give up your family and your money for the kingdom of God? Are you up to it? Do you have what it takes? As I think about what it means to really train not just to finish, but to win, I think about if I am really up to it. Is the cost too great? Am I willing to sacrifice everything? What does he want from me?

I am thankful that I do not have to do this of my own strength. Thank the Lord that he is here to guide my steps. I, like David, can inquire of him and he will show me what to do. I must just be willing and obey.