David Livingstone, a legendary missionary to Africa in the 19^th 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, as followers of Jesus, we say “yes” to Jesus despite all the promises of difficulties that we will receive. As disciples and missionaries for Christ, we can expect persecution, pain, suffering, and ridicule. Commitment to Christ may cost us money, friends, and family members.  In the end, being a follower of Jesus may cost us our lives.

Whether it was at our baptism or later on in our adult conversion, Jesus said to us at one time or another, “Follow me.” Following Jesus as a member at Epiphany may cost us sleep or overtime pay, because we are getting up early to worship Jesus. It will certainly be expensive to be Christ’s follower because funding the ministries of a church and school is certainly not cheap. Being a modern-day disciple of Christ may mean we miss out on certain other activities because we may be busy with Bible study or canvassing or confirmation classes or school plays or school sporting events or a myriad of meetings.

It sounds like following Jesus is costly. It is … it cost Jesus His life.

Actually, followers of Jesus receive a whole host of entitlement rights – all based on the promises of Jesus. We will inherit the earth. We are filled with righteousness. Our faith cannot be taken from us. Peace for the troubled conscience. Calm in the hospital room. Comfort at the gravesite. Sins forgiven. Faith empowered. A heavenly home. These and many other blessings are ours for following Jesus.

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 make difficult decisions, to follow on unknown paths, to follow without treasured possessions … go with Him.

Pray to Jesus about what you think you need. Then let Jesus give you even more.

Lose yourself in His love and leadership. Not only if, but even if.

Follow Jesus and see where He takes 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.

Walking with you in following Jesus,

Pastor Michael Zarling