Costly Gospel

 Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalms 36; Mark 13

“’Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.’”

Mark 13:8-10

The birthing of the kingdom of God in the lives of people through the power of the gospel does not come without opposition. Jesus promises opposition from local authorities and even family members. The gospel which cost Jesus his life is also a costly gospel to embrace.

Are we proclaiming this costly gospel, or rather, are we proclaiming a gospel of self-fulfillment?

When opposition, betrayal, and persecution for the gospel come, Jesus wants his followers to be prepared. Ironically, it’s often not during periods of peace and prosperity that people are most responsive to the gospel. Rather, it is through natural disasters, conflict, and economic challenges that people humble themselves and call out to God. In the gospel we find God’s provision for all that we need as we fully surrender our lives, our sin, and our will to him. This costly gospel, like a pearl of great price or a costly field, is worth Christ’s life and ours as well.

“Lord Jesus, may your kingdom come and your will be done in my life, for your glory.”