Following Jesus Is Risky

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31 NIV)

I remember the fear that permeated this nation after the attacks of 9/11, so I can imagine the fear in France and all of Europe right now.  And, of course, the terrorists want to stoke that fear, for it is what gives them power.  That is why they have declared they are “coming after” Washington, London, and other major cities of the world.  They want to paralyze us and turn us against one another because that is what fear tends to do.  And followers of Jesus are not immune to fear; thus, His words of encouragement to His disciples.

It is difficult to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to do to others what we would have them do to us if we are afraid. Rather, we will tend to avoid them, hate them, or go on the attack in order to protect ourselves.  Fear keeps us from doing what the Lord commands us to do.

We live in a culture that puts safety above all else.  We pray for safety. We are told to be safe.  We are encouraged to seek “safe spaces.”  In other words, the encouragement and incentives given us are to live risk-free lives, to protect ourselves at all costs.  And in an ever-dangerous world, this attitude leads to a shrinking back from life and engagement with people, making it virtually impossible to live the lives Jesus tells us to lead.

What’s interesting about Jesus’ encouragement is He does not promise safety if we will trust Him.  In fact, all His original disciples except Judas and John were put to death as a direct result of their faith.  No, what He is promising is the assurance our Heavenly Father loves us and, thus, will take care of us.  However, this refers to our place in Eternity, not necessarily our safety on earth.  

In order to serve the Lord to the fullest, we must stop clinging to our lives and to our personal safety.  We must stop being afraid and go where He leads us and do what He commands us, regardless of the risk to our comfort or safety.  The reality is following Jesus is risky.

Today, do not be afraid of what might happen to you if you do this or that, or if others follow through with their threats. Your soul is much more important than your physical life and it is nurtured by being obedient to your Lord who was willing to suffer in order to love people and calls you to follow in His steps.

© Jim Musser 2015