Counting the Cost

by I Gordon

‘Doth that man love his Lord who would be willing to see Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, while for himself he craves a chaplet of laurel? Shall Jesus ascend to his throne by the cross, and do we expect to be carried there on the shoulders of applauding crowds? Be not so vain in your imagination. Count you the cost, and if you’re not willing to bear Christ’s cross, go away to your farm and to your merchandise, and make the most of them. Only let me whisper this in your ear, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

Introduction

Interesting book Ruth. It’s an amazing story of commitment and dedication, trials and testing, deliverance and freedom. It’s got it all – well, apart from a nasty villain but we can’t ask for everything. Yet like other historical books in the Old Testament, I believe that the Holy Spirit has placed this book within the Bible for more than historical benefit. He has placed within the characters and story line, key elements and pictures that teach us today about our relationship with the true redeemer, Jesus Christ. Each of the four chapters gives us a glimpse of the progressive stages in our walk with the Lord as you can hopefully see through the following chapter names: