“Many, at the sight of suffering and self-denial, refuse the way of the cross, and choose rather what on the surface appears—a life of ease—the world. Although we are told, if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him,’ the suffering will not compare with the glory that shall be revealed.”
In the 24th chapter of Joshua the Lord recounts to the Israelites His mercy and goodness to them and to their fathers from time to time, in delivering them from their enemies and bringing them into the blessings of the land of Canaan. Then, alluding to their idolatry, closes with the appeal in verse 15,
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”
In the 18th of 1 Kings, when the Israelites were following that wicked king,
Ahab, in his idolatry, Elijah addresses them, saying,
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
To us, too, comes the call to choose between Christ and the world.
The way of the world may look easier and more attractive, but it will prove unsatisfying and disappointing, and will end in sorrow.
The “way of the cross” is not a smooth one, but it ends in glory.
The needed lessons are hard to learn for “the carnal mind... is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:77Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7). Crucifying the flesh is not easy, but necessary, (Gal. 5:2424And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24)). In a walk of faithfulness, there is persecution. Nor is this pleasing to the flesh.
But the one who is walking for the Lord, is walking with the Lord, and in such companionship, no matter what the suffering—what the trial—there is courage, strength, peace, and joy surpassing ought that is known to those not in Christ. And then, when the wilderness journey is over, unhampered by all that now hinders, we shall know that blessed One in all His fullness, and praise Him forevermore.