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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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Deciding to Follow Jesus
Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.1 Sir
Ernest Shackleton was an Antarctic explorer famously credited with one of the
greatest survival stories in history. In 1914, he was planning to set out on an
adventure to cross the entire width of the Antarctic, which was a feat never accomplished
before. He was going to need a courageous and daring crew of about 50 men
divided into two teams for the trek. And so, it is said that he placed an
announcement in the newspaper. The legendary ad read: Men wanted for hazardous
journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return
doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.2 Although
no physical evidence of the article has ever been found, over 5,000 men signed
up for this dangerous expedition! 5,000 men were eager to follow this acclaimed
man into unknown, freezing waters and risk their lives to travel with him and
be a part of his journey. Shackleton hand picked the men as he looked for the
specific characteristics and personalities needed for survival. The 27 men that
made up the team encountered treacherous conditions when their ship,
the Endurance, became trapped in pack ice. The vessel eventually surrendered to
the sea but Shackleton and his entire crew survived to tell the story! When
Jesus called for men to follow him, he knew that the journey ahead was going to
be difficult. He chose men that would endure alongside Him and strengthen His
ministry. These men left everything to follow Jesus without question. They
longed to be part of His team, to be near Him, and to be associated with the Son of
God. Jesus is calling us still today. He has personally picked us to
follow Him, to grow His ministry, and to tell His story! The greatest story
ever told! Following Jesus requires faith and courage. Will you decide to
follow Jesus today? Will you risk it all so that the Lord will be glorified in
your life? The stories you will tell will truly go down in History! Suggested
prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I have decided to follow Jesus! Go with me and
guide me. Give me the courage to be faithful to my call even, and especially,
when the journey is most difficult. The world behind me, the cross before
me… in the Almighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 1. Matthew 16:24 (ESV). 2. Smithonianmag.com The Encounter for today was written by: Veronica B. |
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