Hazardous Journey

“Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success – Ernest Shackleford.”

That’s how the famed British explorer advertised in the London newspapers for his ill-fated Antarctic expedition in 1900. He wanted the men to know right up front about the dangers of such a voyage. Shackleford was amazed at the overwhelming response to his ad.

When Jesus advertised for disciples, He said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). In other words, the cost of following Christ is not buried somewhere in the fine print. He wants us to know that if we are serious about walking with Him, then we’d better be ready to suffer with Him.

Some people are willing to go with Jesus as long as the road is safe. As long as the journey doesn’t get too uncomfortable, too demanding, too difficult, they’re in. But when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the gospel, they fall away. Or when the cares of the world or the deceitfulness or riches entice the heart, their professed allegiance to Jesus gets choked out and they prove unfruitful.

The way of Jesus is a narrow way. He says, “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:14). It’s narrow because Jesus Himself is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, no one will see the Kingdom of God, no one will inherit the promise of eternal life in heaven except through Christ (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

To some that sounds so narrow-minded that it cannot be true. But there’s no other “god” who loves you like Jesus. There’s no other “savior” who has emptied himself, suffered in your place, borne your sin and guilt in his body, hung on a cross to die in your place, or risen in victory from the grave, or promised that He will come again soon to take you to be with Him in heaven forever. Nobody, but Jesus!

He alone is the Savior worth following, no matter the cost.

Let me urge you to come to Him today. Repent from your sin, put your faith in Him alone, and He will save you. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

But know, too, that while the gift comes to you already paid by the blood of Jesus, the journey will be hazardous. The ultimate success of this adventure, however, is guaranteed.