Why would someone risk their life to follow Jesus? Why give up all for Christ?
Eternal life with Him. Of course.
But so much more.
Across the years, we move. Entering new places. Living and learning in various cultures where following Jesus may cost everything.
And I consider a few of the many reasons for choosing Him. Why I can’t imagine life without my Lord.
Now and forever.
Presence
“God with us.” His presence in me is made possible through the gospel.
Christ came, died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Repenting of my sin and believing this truth changed everything. At that point my salvation was sealed by the Holy Spirit.
His Presence indwelling me.
In Him, I live, move, breathe. I am never alone. Never on my own.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Yes, without Him, without His presence, I can do nothing.
Purpose
His purpose gives reason to my daily walk.
I first read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers when I was a senior in high school. His statement has stayed with me: “Begin to know Him now and finish never.”
I want to know Him. Deeply. And share His truth with others. With those who’ve never heard.
Seeking to know Him and make Him known.
In every season.
Every circumstance.
Every place.
This changes how I look at daily life.
People
Jesus told the seeker Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Christ came and lived among us to seek and save the lost. Pouring His life and teaching into common and ordinary people. Making disciples.
After His death, burial, and resurrection, He commissioned His followers. “Go and make disciples of all nations….”
The result? We are part of an ever-growing, worldwide, multicultural Family. Brothers and sisters. Made up of people from many nations.
And the fellowship we experience together, even when we can’t speak each other’s languages, is full of heart-strengthening hope.
Revelation 7:9
In the final revelation, we’re given a vision of what’s to come.
Someday, when Christ returns, people from every nation, tribe, people, and language will gather around the heavenly throne. Worshiping our Lord and King.
His purpose fulfilled. His people forever in His Presence.
Why follow Jesus? This.
“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling
and to make you stand in the presence of His glory,
without blemish and with great joy,
to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, power, and authority
before all time, now and forever. Amen.”
Jude 1:24-25 CSB
What about you?
Why do you think people risk their lives to follow Christ? Share a few of the many reasons you choose to follow Him.
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Witness – To live is Christ – Enter the narrow door – Hidden art – International fellowship – Dismayed by the demand – Everything – Pray for the persecuted –
4 replies on “Why follow Jesus?”
This week was an important date in my life and I thought a lot about the lessons I learned from Daddy and how much I miss him. His love for Jesus echoes through the 32 years of physical absence. There have been times when I wondered why I follow Jesus. Mostly my answer is “He is all I know.” And also He has never left me alone!
Thankful for his life and influence on you, sister. And thanks for sharing. I thought of Peter’s response, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68.
He loved me while I was still a sinner. He forgave my sin and set me free from it. Gratefulness.
Amen. Thanks for sharing, Jeff!