J.H. Jowett once stated, "A ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing." When you consider the testimony of Scripture, that statement rings true. The greatest ministry that ever occurred involved the greatest cost. Who can read the words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me," and not get a sense of the great price our Savior paid? Yet consider what Jesus accomplished - salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:9). With that in mind, let us consider another ministry that was costly, but also very effective.
John was the forerunner for the King. When questioned by the Jewish leaders regarding his identity and activity, He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (John 1:23 NKJV). John understood his mission, and he carried it out fearlessly. From our earliest Bible classes, we learned of John's way of life: Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). His clothing was likely thick and rough, and was usually worn by people who were very poor. His food was what was available as he lived "in the deserts" (Luke 1:80). He did not have a life of ease, but of purpose.
The cost only increased. John was imprisoned by king Herod, Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18). Herod's shocking behavior violated the law of Moses: You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness (Leviticus 18:16). Because John refused to remain silent about sin, even to those in high places, he was eventually put to death. He paid a great cost, but he also accomplished much, as Jesus said of him, "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11).
What then about our ministry? We are to carry on the work of our Lord in seeking and saving the lost (cf. Luke 19:10), and to do it according to the ability we have been given (cf. 1 Peter 4:11). In today's society, people like to go by the motto: "I'm okay, you're okay," or, "We're all going to heaven, we're just taking different paths." While those thoughts might be comforting, such ideas offer a false peace. Jesus said that many are on the broad way that leads to hell (Matthew 7:13), and that includes those who want to obey the Lord on their own terms (cf. Matthew 7:21). We cannot afford to treat souls as if all is well.
Like John, we must we willing to teach God's word, with love and boldness, to our family, friends, and neighbors. It will cost us time. It may cost us comfort. It may even strain relationships. But consider what it may accomplish for the Lord's sake. Is your ministry costing you something?
Brotherly, Jamie
