“Christus Consolator” (The Divine Healer) statue at John Hopkins Hospital. Photo credit Max Boam.
*I have not seen clear statistical evidence that fewer Christians die of cancer than nonbelievers, or that they are immune in greater degree from the diseases that afflict the human race. Some of the kindest, most selfless persons I know have had more than their share of bad health. The fact that they belonged to Christ did not insulate them from disease. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised healing.
I will not deny or dispute evidence of restoration of health. I will rejoice at every recovery from what seems to be hopeless, threatened death. I will not hesitate to pray for recovered health for my loved ones and acquaintances. I will set no limits on what God may do. But I will not follow Christ for promised healing.
I see no sign that Christians escape disaster and accident more than others. I have helped dear friends empty muddy water out of dresser drawers and new appliances after a disastrous flood. I remember as a child taking clothes to a widow with five children whose house had burned to the ground. A bullet makes no detour around the body of a believer. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for any promised protection from disaster.
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
I will not scoff at amazing survivals, nor deny providence has and continues to work for the good of God’s own. I will continue to pray for protection from wicked men and tragedy, but I will not follow Christ for promised protection from accident or catastrophe.
I do not observe that Christians are especially favored with prosperity. Like James, we have all seen the rich oppressing the poor, and justice is rarely perfect in this world. The psalmist has said that he had not seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread, and in the deepest needs of this life that is certainly true; but all of us have known people of integrity who have not prospered. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised freedom from physical want or the hope of affluence.
…God wills that the mind of Christ be formed in us, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Christian’s attitudes and actions will be improved by his Christianity. But I will not follow Christ for any promise of personality enhancement or perfection.
Why then follow Christ? Why be a disciple of Jesus when life becomes more complicated, as He so often warned?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
For one reason alone.
In Jesus we behold the face of God. He is the truth, the everlasting truth, God in the flesh. I know that in His life, death and resurrection I am reconciled to God, the Giver of life. I believe that nothing can separate me from the love of God. He has all power and goodness. I trust Him in His promises.
To Him I offer my life, damaged or whole, brief or full of years. It matters not. He is the one certain thing in an uncertain world. He is to be worshipped, not so something will happen to me or the world (something already has happened to me and the world) but because He is God, who through Christ has reconciled the world to Himself. He saves me; He is my justification; He is the center that holds.
Image by Aaron Cabrera from Pixabay
To worship the God of our salvation, to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, that alone is our vocation. We offer our lives to God, not so as to be healthy, wealthy or wise; not even so as to gain strength to do great things for Him. We offer our lives to Him because He alone has claim on us. God is not a means.*
*Reprinted by permission from Believe in Miracles, But Trust in Jesus by Adrian Rogers, Crossway Books, 1997. (“Why I Follow Christ” is taken from a letter Dr. Rogers’ friend wrote to his own daughter–Emphasis mine.)
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Enjoy the beautiful 3-minute medley of “Turn Your Eyes/I Have Decided/I Surrender All” by Anthem Lights Band.
