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3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. - 2 Timothy 2:3-4
As a marine, or a member of any part of the military, a person must be prepared for rough times. They have to train hard - not just physically, but also mentally - in order to be equipped to overcome the challenges that they are certain to face. These challenges don't only apply to what they may come across overseas, their commitment to a greater cause guarantees that they will be missing out on important events back home. These include birthdays, weddings, funerals, etc. Sometimes an emergency may happen back home and a soldier may not find out about it for months. On the other hand, someone may receive heartbreaking news and still have to keep their composure and perform their duties because their life and the lives of their comrades depend on it.
Sometimes they receive good news - a gender reveal, a baby is born, their best friend is getting married - and as much as their heart yearns to be a part of the celebration, duty calls. This is because when they joined the military, they essentially signed their life away for the duration of their service. They are owned by the government. When they're on duty, they only go where they are told and only do what they are told to do. Disobedience can have serious repercussions. They may face disciplinary action, be sent home with a dishonorable discharge, or worst case scenario - it costs them their life and potentially the lives of those around them. Depending on their level of influence and what their task consists of, the effects could be catastrophic. Obedience, however, is not celebrated. It is simply expected. Honor is bestowed on those who risk their lives and especially those who lose theirs when they lay it down for others.
If we look at the life of Jesus, we'll realize that it's very similar to that of a soldier. He was never caught up in the life of others. He was constantly away from His family, never run by His emotions. He understood that He was here for a greater cause. When He received news that His cousin, John the Baptist, was beheaded, Jesus went to a remote place. He knew how important John was to God. He had paved the way for Jesus' ministry. However, a huge crowd had followed Jesus and out of His compassion towards them, He set aside His own grief and ministered to the people. Jesus never took "personal days" or went on Sabbatical. He only did what His "commanding officer" told Him to do.
19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. - John 5:19 NLT
Just like a soldier, Jesus served up His life. He was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Jesus said that there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Jesus laid down His life for the sake of all humanity and the bible says that The Father bestowed the greatest honor on Him for it.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, - Philippians 2:8-10
Most people are fine with all this, even grateful for His commitment and sacrifice. However, what we fail to recognize is that the standard is the same for every follower of Christ. Jesus came to set an example. He expects us to lay down our life for Him. We were bought with a price, He expects it to be paid back in full. When we dedicate our lives to Christ, it no longer belongs to us. As long as we continue to follow our own plans we are taking ownership and trespassing on God's property. When we do anything that God hasn't specifically told us to do, we risk stepping outside of His will, which is dangerous territory. We lose access to His peace and protection, His love and wisdom is limited to us. His glory is manifested through our obedience. Just like His son, the author and finisher of our faith, the firstborn among many brethren, God expects us to be obedient to the point of death. He expects us to give up celebrations, funerals, pleasures and "personal days" for His kingdom.
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” - John 21:16-19
Souls are on the line and we are responsible for preaching the good news of the kingdom to those lost in darkness. Our mission is making disciples of all nations.
The question is: What has your disobedience cost you? What has it cost humanity?
You are here for a purpose, your existence is supposed to leave its mark on history. Are you ready to go all in for the One who gave His all for you?