THE HERALDS DEVOTIONAL

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 6: THE RICH YOUNG RULER — A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE Mark 10:21–22 (NIV) Jesus looked at him and loved him… “One thing you lack… Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor… Then come, follow me.”At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. In Part 5, No Turning Back, we saw that following Jesus Christ requires unwavering focus. Looking back leads to distraction, comparison, and ultimately compromise. You cannot move forward effectively if your heart is still behind you. Opening Thought   It is possible to be close to Jesus—and still walk away from Him. Not because you hate Him. Not because you reject Him. But because you cannot let go of something else. Key Phrase “One thing you lack…” Insight 🔍 This man came with the right question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He had: Discipline Morality Religious consistency But when he encountered Jesus Christ, something deeper was revealed. Jesus looked at...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 5: NO TURNING BACK Luke 9:62 (NIV) Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” In Part 4, we saw that, looking back is dangerous. Using the plow. We saw that what you look back at can pull your heart away from where God is taking you. Comparison, delay, and emotional attachment can open doors to covetousness and corruption. Looking back is not just a glance—it is a heart drifting in the wrong direction. Following Jesus Christ is not just about starting—it is about continuing without retreat. Many people begin the journey with excitement: You started the ministry You launched the business You committed your life to God But somewhere along the way, the pressure comes. The results seem slow. Others seem ahead. And then the temptation arises… “Maybe I should go back.” Insight 🔍 Jesus uses a powerful farming picture: “Putting your hand to the plow…” In those days, plowing required: ...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 4: LOOKING BACK WHILE MOVING FORWARD Luke 9:61–62 (NIV) Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus Christ replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” In Part 3, we uncovered the danger of delayed obedience through the phrase “ first let me… ”. We learned that even good responsibilities can become excuses, and that trying to secure a backup plan before obeying God often reveals divided loyalty. True discipleship requires immediate and undivided response. Key Phrase “...and looks back…” Opening Thought   It is possible to be moving forward physically, yet remain attached emotionally. Many people start the journey with Jesus, but their hearts are still tied to what they left behind. In the Kingdom, direction matters—but so does focus. Insight 🔍 This man sounded willing: “I will follow you, Lord…” But again, there was a...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 3: THE DANGER OF “FIRST LET ME…” Luke 9:59–60 (NIV) He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” In Part 2, we learned that following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus Christ made it clear that discipleship is not built on comfort but on sacrifice. We cannot follow Him truly if we are only committed to convenience. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Key Phrase “Lord, first let me…” Opening Thought 🌅 One of the greatest enemies of destiny is not rejection—it is delay. Many people are not saying “ no ” to God; they are simply saying “ not now .” But in the Kingdom, delayed obedience can quietly become disobedience. Insight 🔍 This man did not reject the call to follow Jesus Christ. In fact, he called Him “ Lord ,” showing respect. But his response revealed a divided priority: “First let me…” At first glance, his request seems reas...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 2: THE HIDDEN COST OF FOLLOWING Luke 9:58 (NIV) Jesus Christ replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” In Part 1, we saw a man make a bold and emotional declaration: “I will follow you wherever you go.” But we saw that enthusiasm is not the same as endurance. Jesus is not moved by loud promises—He looks for lives that can sustain commitment when the journey becomes difficult. Key Phrase “ The Son of Man has no place to lay his head. ” Opening Thought 🌅 Many people are willing to follow Jesus—as long as it does not disrupt their comfort. But true discipleship is not built on convenience; it is built on sacrifice. Before Jesus accepts a man’s bold declaration, He reveals a truth many avoid: following Him comes with a cost. Insight 🔍 The man in the previous verse made a confident promise, but instead of welcoming him immediately, Jesus Christ responded by describing His own reality. Fox...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 1: THE ENTHUSIASTIC PROMISE Luke 9:57 (NIV) “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’” Many people begin their journey with Jesus with passion, bold words, and sincere intentions. But not every strong start leads to a faithful finish. The Christian walk is not tested in moments of excitement—it is tested in seasons of discomfort and endurance. Key Phrase “I will follow you wherever you go.” This statement was not made by an enemy of Jesus, but by someone who admired Him and desired to be close to Him. Yet Jesus did not celebrate the man’s enthusiasm—He tested it. Insight 🔍 In this moment, the man sounded fully committed. His words suggested total surrender, but Jesus knew that it is easy to promise loyalty when you have not yet seen the cost. Many people love the idea of following Christ: the miracles, the purpose, the hope of a better life. But they have not yet considered the rejection, s...