Choosing Life, Counting the Cost
September 7, 2025:
Opening Thought
Most of us have stood at a crossroads, facing a major life decision like a career change or a move to a new city. We pull out a mental ledger, weighing the potential benefits against the real and perceived risks. The new path could bring immense fulfillment and prosperity, but it might also mean leaving behind the comfort of the familiar or even facing a significant setback. This is the sober work of counting the cost—a practical and necessary step before making any significant leap.
We would never make such a leap in our professional or personal lives without this careful thought. Why, then, do we so often expect our spiritual commitment to demand less of us?
We tend to approach faith as an addition to our lives—something that brings comfort and meaning without demanding too much in return. We want a faith that fits neatly alongside our other commitments. But this Sunday, Jesus confronts the large crowds with a startlingly inconvenient message. He makes it clear that following him is not an easy addition to our lives, but a radical re-ordering of our entire existence. He reminds us that a comfortable faith is a contradiction in terms; true faith is never easy because it always comes with a cost.
Engaging the Word
The challenge begins in Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus lays out the staggering price of discipleship. We must “carry the cross,” place our love for him above even our most cherished family relationships, and give up all our possessions
This call to calculate the cost sharpens the choice Moses presents in Deuteronomy. “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity,” he says, urging the people, “Choose life”
The short letter to Philemon gives us a beautiful, real-world test case for this choice. Paul appeals to Philemon not with a command, but with a plea based in love
And what is the result of choosing this difficult path? Psalm 1 paints a stunning picture. Those who delight in God’s way “are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither”
A Journey in Song: Our Musical Guides
The music of our service this week moves from a quiet call to dedication to a global anthem of praise, framing a journey that prepares us for the Gospel's high cost.
The Opening Voluntary: Chorale Prelude on “Hollingside” The service begins with a gentle, contemplative prelude on the tune for “Take my life, and let it be,” inviting the congregation into a spirit of dedication and openness.
The Sequence Hymn: "Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life" (Hymn #487)
As we prepare to hear the Gospel, this hymn by George Herbert becomes our prayer of choice
The Anthem: "Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether" (Harold W. Friedell)
This anthem shows us the beautiful result of our costly individual choices. As we commit to Christ, we are drawn into a new kind of community. The anthem is a prayer for unity, asking that "by caring, helping, giving, we may true disciples be"
The Presentation Hymn: "From all that dwell below the skies" As we present our offerings, this great hymn of universal praise, based on Psalm 117, gives us the ultimate reason for our costly discipleship. It calls on all of creation to praise the Lord whose faithfulness and love are boundless. It is a powerful declaration of allegiance, reminding us that the God who demands our whole lives is the same God who is worthy of all glory and honor from everyone, everywhere.
The Post-Communion Hymn: "God of grace and God of glory" (Hymn #594)
After being challenged so profoundly by the Gospel, this hymn becomes our final, necessary plea. We sing, "Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour"
The Closing Voluntary: Fugue in G Major, BWV 541 We are thrilled to welcome our new Assistant Organist, Colton Barber, who will be playing the Closing Voluntary. He will offer the magnificent and triumphant Fugue in G Major by Johann Sebastian Bach. After a service that calls us to soberly count the high cost of discipleship, this powerful and energetic fugue sends us out not with hesitation, but with a joyful and confident affirmation. It is the sound of a resounding "Yes!" to God's call—a musical embodiment of the fruitful and vibrant life promised to those who choose to walk in God’s way.
A Closing Note on Our Journey
The path of peace is not always a path of ease. This week, we are reminded that true discipleship requires a sober understanding of the cost. It demands that we choose, again and again, to orient our entire lives around the self-giving love of Jesus. It is the most demanding choice we will ever make, and it is the only one that leads to true life.
I pray these reflections prepare your heart for our time of worship. Please join me again next Friday as we continue our journey.
A Prayer for the Week Ahead
Let us pray.
For the wisdom to honestly and bravely count the cost of following you, and for a faith that is not deterred by the sacrifice required. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the courage to choose life—to choose the path of love and obedience that leads to true fruitfulness, even when the way is difficult. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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