https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhVlUaIIg1U
Saying Goodbye
Luke 14:25-27 Many people were traveling with Jesus. He said to them, “If you come to me but will not leave your family, you cannot be my follower. You must love me more than your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters–even more than your own life. Whoever will not carry the cross that is given to them when they follow me cannot be my follower.
Matthew 4:20 At once they left their nets and followed Him.
Matthew 4:22 At once they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
Forever changed
There are those whose lives were forever changed by the call of Jesus. Not only on their individual lives, but the lives of the ones they loved. Careers were walked away from; families were abandoned: Wives and children, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends. Lives disrupted and livelihoods changed. Jesus disciples were NOT the only ones affected by the call to discipleship. Nothing would ever be the same. When Jesus calls us there is a price to be paid by those we love.
Can you imagine the conversation at the dinner table as these men told their wives and children, or fathers and mothers they were leaving and had no idea when or if they would return. No warning. Just, “today my life took a dramatic turn and you aren’t in it.” The conversations were no doubt difficult. These were young wives, with small children. The husband was the stabilizing presence in a home. Security was walking out of the door. The ones who promised “until death us do part,” were departing. No planning period was given to save money, or make provision for the future or give time to process what was coming. Just an announcement, “I am leaving. I am leaving, now!”
Left Behind
The ones left behind are not mentioned in the scripture. The cross they bore was abandonment to a cause. Theirs was a life of hardship, poverty, and confusion. This faith was new. Was this really the Messiah? Would there be a reward for the sacrifice they were making? They really were walking in faith.
These family members are the unsung heroes of the faith: Those who waved goodbye for the cause of spreading the gospel, in service to the King of Kings. No names written. No stories told of their hardships, sacrifices, or challenges. Just silence. Not any mention of them anywhere in Scripture.
Sharing the Gospel -Left Behind
The officer and gentleman’s niece and her husband have left all for Southeast Asia in an undisclosed location. The family has limited access to their young daughters. Thanks to the age of technology, keeping in touch is easier than in Biblical times. FaceTime, airline travel, email, text messaging, international shipping all make contact and expressions of love and support more possible. They are commissioned for three years as they share the gospel.
Mission trips are often for 7-14 days. This is not leaving all. It is a change of location for a limited time.
Will I Follow? Will You Follow?
Did Jesus even care about the sacrifice of those left behind? Mark 10:29-31 proves He did. He promised a huge reward. He promises to show Himself to them. (John 14:21) He promises they (the Twelve) will sit on thrones. (Matthew 19:27-29) Guess what; we are now His disciples. We too are called to leave all and follow Him. The question is this: Will I? Will you? Will you and I trust God if He calls one we love to leave us? Will I open my hand and accept all God gives and let God use me, my husband, my children, my siblings, my parents, or my friends, in any way He deems necessary to spread His good, good news? Including death?
Those left behind played a VITAL role in the spreading of the gospel without notoriety. “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you, I am so glad you gave.”
(Lyrics to song titled Thank You by Ray Boltz) Friends of Jesus give, often without recognition in this life.
Thank You by Ray Boltz
Reunions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQQoYhyOjFw
(kleenex alert)
When this was scheduled we had no way of knowing our military would be deploying to the Middle East and our sons and daughters were being called to leave all and serve our nation. We look forward to their safe return and pray God’s protection over all those called and all those called to be left behind. Godspeed!
Needed the tissue warning! 😥 God gives you unique perspectives that we need to understand. This is an amazing message with perfect timing as more soldiers will be deployed sacrificing everything. The clip from Elynn was perfect for this message. The music stirred my heart as well. May God bless you and your family as you bless others! 💕🙏💕