"The Cost"

"Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Yesterday we talked about the story of the angel's announcement to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to the Messiah. We talked about what we could learn from this account and apply on a personal level. Another thing we can learn is that when Mary said, yes, there was a price to pay. She had to count the cost.

Saying yes meant that she was putting her life in danger. To be pregnant without being married carried the death penalty under the Old Testament law. To say yes meant that she could be "divorced" from the man she was to marry, Joseph. Being pregnant without a husband was a disgrace, shame, a mar on your reputation, subjected you to ridicule and gossip. When she said yes, she was saying no to her dreams, plans, ambitions, hopes and desires for the future. Saying yes to carrying this baby and raising him meant that it was no longer about her own life. She surrendered and gave up her life to the will of God. 

When we come to Jesus (God) and accept Him as our Saviour, we too are surrendering our lives to Him. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Him. This is where we too have to count the cost. That cost maybe rejection by family and friends. It may mean that we are hated like Jesus was hated. It may mean that we suffer ridicule, persecution, etc. It may mean that we have to give up some dreams and plans. But saying yes will be worth whatever it cost. Saying yes to Jesus means that we will have eternal life. And like the old hymn says, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus." 

Have a great day. Surrendering your life to Jesus will cost you something. Are you willing to pay it? Hopefully, you are because it will be worth it!!