Each time I reflect on some of the statements of the Lord Jesus, I cannot but wonder! If I knew that there was life threatening danger ahead in the fulfilment of God’s calling, would I still go ahead? Yet it is manifest in the testimonies of those saints gone before us that the same may be required of each of us.

Consider:

• The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day (Luke 9:22). Jesus knew to the detail what He would suffer and He submitted to the Father’s will.

• And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me (Acts 20:22-23). Paul said none of these things moved him neither did he count his life dear to him but to finish his course with joy; and

• Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). Women too, faced the same dosage while others refused deliverance from torture that they might obtain a better resurrection.

They caught the same vision as was recorded by Paul in Romans 5:1,2 and by the writer of the book of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:1, 2.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory (Romans 5:1-2 NLT).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

So dearly beloved, what are you seeing that is driving your daily preoccupation? It’s not about here with its transient glory. Make your choice now before the days of testing come.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele