Only If or Even If
Put down what you think you need and let Jesus give you more.
David Livingstone, a legendary missionary to Africa in the 19th century, sacrificed personal gain for the good of Christ’s kingdom. Once he was contacted by a mission society eager to send a few good men to help Livingstone. They asked if there was a good road to the missionary’s current location.
Livingstone wrote back, “If you have men who will come only if there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come even if there is no road.”*
When Jesus called his first disciples we don’t hear them setting up conditions, like professional athletes configure contracts with one clause after another. “Jesus, I’ll follow you only if I can …”
Actually, followers of Jesus say yes to him with a host of entitlement rights – all based on the promises of Jesus. We inherit the earth. We are filled with righteousness. We will not be harmed. Sins forgiven. Faith empowered. A heavenly home. But we don’t have the right to set ourselves up for convenience according to our own terms. If we want to claim that right, then Jesus should certainly question our commitment.
Even if Jesus calls you to follow into a storm, to follow during a personal crisis, to follow on unknown paths, to follow without treasured possessions … go with him. Put down what you think you need and let him give you more. Lose yourself in his love and leadership, and you will find a new you.
PRAYER: Sometimes I am not ready for your call to follow, Jesus. Sometimes when I know I need to obey or sacrifice or listen patiently I will do so only if my expectations are met. Forgive such doubting faith. Overcome my weakness by the strength of your sacrifice to the death, and lead me to die to my selfishness and fears and to live for you in new commitment. Amen.
*(Quoted from Homiletics magazine, Jan/Feb 2009, p. 28, copyright Communication Resources, Inc., Canton, OH)