Serving Jesus – Not For Cowards
Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. Luke 6:22-23
There is a big difference between being 'meek' and being 'fearful'. Living for Jesus is not 'for the fearful' (or cowards). When you receive Jesus and surrender your life to Christ, your life will change drastically as you know it now. You will find more trials but the Lord will always carry you through and give you victory through Jesus. You will never regret your decision receiving Jesus as your Savior and your service to Him. We should never be fearful in our walk of faith. Jesus spoke the following: Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:40). The word "fearful" (Rev 21:8) in some versions of the Bible, the word is translated into "cowardly." For those who haven't read Revelation 21:8, it may cause your jaw to drop.
It takes a brave man or woman to follow Jesus because many of your friends and family will shun you or even abandon you. Again, Jesus said, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (Luke 6:22)
Jesus also said, The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (John 7:7 ) He also spoke, He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:25-26) So at times when a neighbor, or an acquaintance, or many times a family member is hostile to you for your faith, it is not because they have a problem with you, it is because they have a problem with Jesus Christ our Lord.
There are two divisions of people in this world - no more and no less. The “Saved and the Lost.” When a person surrenders their life to the Lord, they will understand this completely, which I hope you do. So that means we all have much work to do here before we leave this earth. None of us knows our appointment or the time we will die (Heb 9:27). So if we are not ashamed of Jesus (Mark 8:38), we must follow Him by professing our faith, getting baptized, attending a place of worship, and focus on leading a life that is pleasing to God. That also means planting seeds for Christ (Mark 16:15). Start with your family – the little ones are more apt to receive Christ at an early age. If you are saved (born again John 3:5) you have the greatest message in the world right now on your tongue. It is what Jesus has done for you. We must serve Jesus 'boldly' and not that of a coward.
God is a holy and righteous God. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and He will not be mocked (Gal 6:7). He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16) and He demands obedience. Obedience is how we show love to God. The Lord says “be ye holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). And that is in everything we do – not just in church. At times it seems as if it is a difficult thing to do. It takes courage and strength, which we can only get from God. It takes a real man and a real woman to love Jesus! Remember, God placed us on this earth to glorify HIM. We are chosen to be soldiers (2 Tim 2:4) so we must take our duty seriously.
Lastly, we must not “fear” man. Hebrews 13:6 reads, “So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not nor be dismayed; (1 Chron 28:20). Let us all 'be of good courage' when it comes to serving Jesus.
May God richly bless you and may the Holy Ghost move in your life for continued service to Him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom 10:13)
Thanks for "Taking 5" - Gary Waddell - www.VMMTN.com
Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee - God bless and bless GOD