In a day when following Jesus Christ is presented as a way of prosperity and happiness without a bump in the road, let alone valleys, it is important to consider the truth of the matter to realize following Jesus is not the easy road, nevertheless the reward is great.
Consider how the Lord Jesus Christ presented this truth to one who announced his desire to follow Him:
Matthew 8:18–20 (ESV) — 18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
You would never hear that from the teachers who have itching ears, who preach what people want to hear in “feel good” messages. No wonder we are told that in days to come, the people will not even know sound doctrine but heap to themselves teachers who say what they want them to say. In other words, teachers who bring “happy doctrine” where people leave feeling good about themselves. To this fact, the apostle Paul charged Timothy and those who would follow to “preach the Word.” Preaching the word means you bring the truth of the whole counsel of God
2 Timothy 4:1–4 (ESV) — 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
It’s a myth to think that following Jesus Christ is easy and doesn’t require an “all in” attitude and readiness to give up whatever is necessary to live close to the Lord Jesus Christ in fellowship and service to our King. Of course, this attitude of sacrificial service is seen in our Lord Himself.
Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Too many of us follow the temptation of the “easy road” in following Jesus. Consider the “easy commitments” that people make in joining a church. At one time statistics showed that a good number of Christians in America belonged to more than one church at the same time. In addition, there are a plethora who say it’s not necessary to join a church as they accentuate the popular “non-committed” attitude. But what did Jesus say?
Luke 9:23 (ESV) — 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
When the followers of Christ, being 120 in number following the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, met in the upper room to pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit that they may be witnesses to those near and far, God answered their prayer. In fact, people gathered to hear the witness of Peter who preached not only the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, but the call for repentance and commitment to follow the Savior. The result was 3,000 people who stepped forward and were willingly baptized and were added to the church. Their commitment was truly genuine, in fact we are told they continued “steadfastly” daily in the teaching, fellowship, and prayers of the church. We are even given the insight that many of them lost everything in identifying with the Lord Jesus Christ so without a program or a plea the members of the church body sold what they could to help take care of the needs of those who lost everything to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Chrst. The result: great rejoicing and even more were added to the church. See what genuine commitment to God, His word, and His church does! It opens the door for more of God’s presence, power, and blessing.
Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) — 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Speaking of commitment, Jesus reminded the religious leaders of the greatest commandment, where God is calling us to an “all in” attitude of love, fellowship, and service.
Mark 12:29–31 (ESV) — 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
A great lesson on “all in commitment” is seen in the life of David when he went to the threshing floor of Araunah to offer a sacrifice to God and Araunah not only offered the threshing floor, but his oxen, threshing instruments, and whatever else David needed. David’s reply is exactly what Jesus taught in the cost of following Him. Notice what David said to Araunah regarding of his offer:
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV) — 24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
Following, loving, and serving the Lord Jesus Christ brings great reward sovereignly presented by our Lord Who calls us to serve, helps us to serve, then rewards us in service. He also taught that to follow Him is a costly manner, which is why Jesus said to “count the cost,” lest after you start in the way, you turn back. Therefore, it’s best to have the attitude that you will not offer to Him anything that costs you nothing.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
