Unconditional Surrender

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me---Matt 16:24.

When Jesus came to the earth the first time as appointed by His Father, He found the world thoroughly saturated with the religion of men. Even the Jews who were the first love of God had so twisted and perverted the Law of God that it bore little resemblance to the divine oracle that God had given at the hand of Moses. It is true that the letter was the same that Moses had given but the interpretation did not carry the meaning as intended by God. When the time was fulfilled, Jesus began preaching the truth of the Word of God as the Father intended. He walked the shores of Galilee and visited their towns day by day declaring messages of truth that were filled with hope, cheer and good will to all men of the earth for it was the plan of God to extend His love and mercy unto the Gentiles who, in the sight of the Jews, were heathens and idolaters. He plainly spoke of the kingdom of God that the Jews had so long looked for, and described it in detail; a spiritual kingdom, marvelous in its rich blessings, gained by the route of humble repentance and holy living.

These startling truths caused a great deal of interest through the countryside and every household was found to be discussing these new and powerful teachings (for He spake as no other man spake) as they gathered each day around the family circle. Jesus was made aware of the trend of events and in His wisdom He met the situation with grace and wisdom. These circumstances demanded the plain presentation of the stand that Jesus was taking. So we have the scriptures coming from the mouth of Jesus which we are using for a text. "If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me "---Matt 16:24. This would settle the argument that was circulating through the country, Jesus demanded an unconditional surrender, and more than that Jesus demanded that He be permitted to occupy and direct the course of the human soul with dictatorial powers. This was a hard saying and it is today for the man and woman who loves to direct his own course and to live his own life. But, friends, there is no other way. Jesus commanded complete surrender to His mighty will and nothing less. No man ever made a mistake in so doing, for the great wisdom and love of Christ will direct your pathway into the blessings of peace and prosperity and wisdom. Reader, why not now, this moment, throw up your hands and surrender? Jesus will have nothing else. A cold formal profession will not do. Jesus will never recognize that. A little good works will not do. Jesus will not recognize that. You must turn from a life of sin top a life of righteousness in Jesus Christ.

The self-life is constantly seeking to direct the course of the life of every human being and if his course is followed, it always brings shipwreck. Jesus knew this, therefore He demanded that we deny the self-life. In many cases, as in the life of the rich young ruler, the self-life seeks to excel in gaining wealth. To the rich young ruler, Jesus said, "Go and sell what thou hast and distribute to the poor- and come and follow me." This was too great a price for the "poor" man to pay and he went his way in great sorrow. The self-life often seeks to express itself in the gaining of a fine education. Jesus knows the pitfalls that lurk in the vicinity of a well trained mind; He demands this be entrusted to His wisdom. We all know that education is good but sometimes, as has been said, men try to put a ten thousand dollar education in a ten cent mind. Many a man has his hope for heaven eclipsed by the cramming of his head with knowledge. The self-life seeks to express itself through the maintenance of a good reputation. How often people try to hold a good social standing in their community by a little compromise of truth here and there. Jesus said..."If any man will come after me, let him deny himself." We must deny that urge to appear well in the sight of men. Our first ambition must be to please Christ, regardless of what it will cost us in social prestige. Paul had learned this great lesson for, no doubt, he was very proud of his reputation as learned man and as man of position. In his bold stand for truth and in his absolute submission to the will of Christ he had been counted as the offscouring of the earth. He suffered the loss of all things that he might win Christ, as he said , and the "all things" included his reputation and social standing. It seems very hard for most people to suffer the loss of personal esteem that the world has for its people. But we cannot have the esteem of the world and the esteem of Christ at the same time. The friendship of the world is enmity against God. The holy Word has said, "I would that you were hot or cold and if you are lukewarm I will spue you out of my mouth.!"

That there is a reproach associated with the service of Christ, we will not deny. And unless we are willing to deny ourselves absolutely, we cannot stand the reproach, neither can we be a disciple of Christ. The Christian life is a separate life. Only those who are willing to follow this demand of Christ can have a part in the great reward that He holds out in the promise of heaven and life eternal. I wish to state that the friendship of Jesus and the great prize of eternal life that awaits at the end of life's way is worth far more than the few little dazzling pleasures that a life of self expression can bring to you. Let me recommend with all earnestness that you take the humble route that Jesus has asked you to. Make your decision today while you have health and strength, while you still have some time in which you can live and work for Jesus.