How does this verse encourage seeking God's wisdom before making major decisions? Counting the Cost: Learning from Luke 14:31 “Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” Why This Picture Matters - Jesus uses a military analogy everyone can grasp: a wise king assesses his resources before marching into battle. - The implication: if earthly leaders weigh costs, how much more should disciples weigh decisions in light of God’s wisdom. - The verse assumes deliberate, thoughtful planning—not impulsive moves—in partnership with the Lord. A Call to Seek Divine Counsel Before Major Moves Luke 14:31 presses three convictions: 1. Big choices have serious consequences—like war, they can bring victory or loss. 2. Human resources alone are insufficient; the king’s ten thousand face an enemy twice his size. 3. Wise action begins with “sit down and consider,” an intentional pause to invite the Lord’s perspective. Practical Ways to “Sit Down and Consider” with God - Open Scripture: let God’s Word shape motives and methods. - Pray specifically: ask, “Lord, is this battle Yours? Are these my ten thousand or Yours?” - Seek godly counsel: Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed”. - Evaluate motives: James 4:3 warns against self-centered asks; God measures the heart. - Count the cost honestly: Luke 14:28 – 30 (the tower-builder) parallels the king, reminding that unfinished projects bring ridicule. Reinforcing Passages - Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight”. - Proverbs 16:1—“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD”. - Isaiah 30:21—“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it’ ”. - Philippians 4:6–7—Prayer invites God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds before decisions are finalized. Living It Out Today • Career changes, marriage, relocating, ministry commitments—each resembles the king’s impending battle. • Before marching, pause: gather the facts, weigh the risks, open the Word, and invite the Spirit’s leading. • Confidence grows when the decision aligns with Scripture, is affirmed in prayer, and stands up to wise counsel. • The result mirrors the cautious king: strategic, God-directed steps that replace rash impulse with faith-filled obedience. |
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