On my first day of teaching this school year I asked each student to
write what he or she would like to gain in Bible class the remaining
weeks of the semester. The overwhelming majority of answers had
something to do with getting closer to God and understanding him
better. What a great goal! But is it safe?
From The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – regarding
Aslan, the Lion who represents Jesus:
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “Who said anything about safe?
‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” A woman had been plagued with bleeding for twelve years. No doctor had been able to help her, and though she had spent all her money, things were getting worse instead of better. When she heard the ‘Gentle Healer’ was in town, she boldly fought through the crowd to simply touch the hem of his garment. Her great faith was rewarded as healing instantly came to her body, but she was not allowed to shrink back to her home unnoticed. “Who touched my clothes?” Jesus asked. Mark says this woman fell at his feet trembling with fear. Holy fear is not uncommon for those who come close to God, but as He comes close to us we receive assurance and blessing. “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
His best friends, who followed him (and failed him), were asked a troubling question: “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” What is the cost of following the risen King? “Pick up your cross and follow me” does not sound too comfortable. John the Baptist, who determined to become less as Jesus became greater, did not always understand why things were happening the way they were. “Why, if Jesus is really the One, am I sitting in this dark dungeon?” John’s disciples took his questions to the Master and while Jesus sent back a message to confirm the truth, He gave no simple answer for John’s suffering. Today, scores are suffering because they carry the name of Jesus. “We have learned that suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to you. Disobedience to God is the worst thing.” Tran Mai, a Vietnamese pastor, shared what Christians in his land have learned through persecution. “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of me,” Jesus said. He knows that doubts, fears, and temptations to retreat will always beset those who aim to come near.
So… the hope for the seeking young person (and me and you) is the promise of the Living God: He will draw close to those who draw close to him. Though the path may not be easy or safe… it is the only path to take. Jesus once asked his closest disciples if they wanted to leave him. “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Peter asked. “You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” This is our faith… and “He rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
“… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10: 22-23