Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
If you had been living 2000 years ago, what kind of a life would you have chosen? The world was much like it is today--full of selfish people bent on entertainment and sensual delight. There were the Roman overlords living in their luxurious villas on the Mediterranean, flocking to sports events in the amphitheaters, eating gourmet food, employing poor people to work for them. These "upper crust" people got the most out of life--or did they?
And now here comes that Man from Galilee who had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20), and He says to you, "Take up your cross and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Will you do so gladly? Will you turn your back on the pleasures and wealth of the Roman world, and follow Jesus through a life of self-denial and loving labor for others, spreading the news of justification by faith? Will you join His eleven surviving apostles and others?
Of the two ways of this ancient life, which would be the more enjoyable to you? Well, that's exactly where you are today. You have exactly the same choice. Nothing has changed: the same selfish mindset has captured the world today, and the same pure gospel of righteousness by faith offers the same alternative to selfish living.
The Bible teaches clearly that we are today living in the antitypical Day of Atonement, the grand climax to the drama of the ages, the great controversy between Christ and Satan. It's the war of all wars. It's not a matter merely of personal survival or personal happiness: it's the honor of God Himself that is at stake. Unless He has a people on earth who "give glory to Him" in this final battle, He will be embarrassed.
Every one on earth will be drawn into this conflict on one side or the other. I suggest that taking up that cross to follow Jesus is by far the more exciting, more joyous alternative. Do you agree?
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 6, 1998.
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