How Much Does it Cost

Hello and Good Monday Morning to you all...

I think Spring has finally sprung...We will be averaging 50 degree weather this week!!  As I get older I have found that I can take the cold a lot less.  I remember times when I used to play in the snow in shorts and a t-shirt.  If I did that now, I think I would end up in the hospital and I definitely don't want to think about the cost of a hospital stay today even when we have insurance.  The co-pays can be unreal.

According to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (www.kff.org) "The average premium for single coverage in 2012 is $468 per month or $5,615 per year.   The average premium for family coverage is $1,312 per month or $15,745 per year."  How much does it cost us to be sick?  Maybe a better question is how much does it cost us to be well?

As I was reflecting on the scripture passage for this upcoming week I also began to think about how much it costs to die.  In the Gospel of John 12:1-8 a woman, most commonly we are told it was Mary, poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus.  The perfume was worth a year's wages.  Jesus did not have much time left physically on the earth so this act of surrender was in preparation.  It cost her a whole year's wages.

What does it cost us to follow Christ?  Has it cost us anything?

As you read and reflect on the scripture for this upcoming Sunday, I want you to think of the cost of following Christ.  Would you have been as willing as Mary, to "pour out" an entire years wages upon the Lord?  How much are you willing to give to be spiritually well and in a full relationship with God?

Share your struggles with this text and what it means for you in your life and walk with Jesus.

Esperanza!
Pastor Scot