For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For many years I spoke to my distant cousin about our need of a Savior. When he
visited me recently and I once again urged him to receive Christ, his immediate
response was: “I would like to accept Jesus and join the church, but not yet. I
live among people of other faiths. Unless I relocate, I will not be able to
practice my faith well.” He cited persecution, ridicule, and pressure from his
peers as excuses to postpone his decision.
His fears were legitimate, but I assured him that whatever happened, God would
not abandon him. I encouraged my cousin not to delay but to trust God for care
and protection. He gave up his defenses, acknowledged his need of Christ’s
forgiveness, and trusted Him as his personal Savior.
Committing your life to Jesus is a decision worth making.
When Jesus invited people to follow Him, they too offered excuses—all about
being busy with the cares of this world (Luke 9:59-62). The Lord’s answer to
them (vv. 60-62) urges us not to let excuses deprive us of the most important
thing in life: the salvation of our souls.
Do you hear God calling you to commit your life to Him? Do not delay. “Now is
the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
Come to the Savior, make no delay—here in His Word He’s shown us the way; here
in our midst He’s standing today, tenderly saying, “Come!” George F. Root
Today is the day of salvation.
Insight:
Although large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went (Luke 5:15; 8:42; 9:11;
14:25), Jesus knew that not all who followed Him were genuine disciples (John
6:66). Jesus taught often of the radical commitment needed if we want to follow
Him. We are to love Him above all else, even our own life (Mark 10:17-22; Luke
9:23-27). In today’s passage, Jesus warns that following Him may not be easy
and comfortable. It requires precedence over all other relationships, a
single-minded focus, wholehearted pursuit, and an undivided commitment (vv.
59-62). God in His great mercy has given every believer the Holy Spirit to help
us live a life that is pleasing to Him. Sim Kay Tee
By Lawrence Darmani | See Other Authors
Victoria E Gilkerson
