If you are looking for a cozy, comfortable religion that doesn’t call for too many demands on you, then you probably should not try being one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus has this strange notion that his followers should serve others rather than themselves. He expects you to show integrity when no one is looking. Jesus wants us to, “rejoice and leap for joy” when we are persecuted! He expects us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who use us. Jesus also said, “…whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Imagine that! 
It reminds me of the Irish Explorer, Ernest Shackleton who placed this ad in an English newspaper. “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” Shackleton received 5,000 replies and 27 men were chosen to begin a 22-month trial of physical endurance of wind, ice, and snow in trekking Antarctica as they set sail on the Endurance in August 1914. Shackleton pledged, “Follow as I lead, do what I say must be done, and I’ll get you home.” Incredibly, he did, and the American Museum of Natural History documented their journey as one of the greatest tales of survival in expedition history!  
Twenty-eight men set out to cross Antarctica by foot – 1,500 miles north to south using 39 sled dogs which were eventually butchered and eaten by this desperate crew. They lost their ship, the Endurance, and lived for months on the ice. When the ice began to melt in the summer, they boarded three lifeboats and set sail for Elephant Island. However, they still were not safe. Shackleton then took five of his best men and sailed 800 miles to South Georgia Island, where he was able to get help and rescue his crew. 
Isn’t it amazing that people will sign up for such causes under such hazardous conditions, yet many people are reluctant to totally commit their lives to Christ? Jesus said, “…whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and for the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Jesus did not promise our service to him would be easy, but he did promise to be with us through it all if we follow him. 
Shackleton, a mere human, said, “Follow as I lead, do what I say must be done, and I’ll get you home.” If we follow Jesus, the Son of God, and do what he says, he will lead us home and honor us with life everlasting.

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