My First Steps With Jesus

There was an article in the local paper today about a pastor who takes his message to the streets, literally. Bill Taylor lives in southeast Alabama and for nearly 29 years he’s been taking his message of salvation and redemption to the local streets on a semi-regular basis. His reason, he wants to offer folks the same hope he received more than three decades ago and he’s emulating the example of Jesus Christ.

After I read that story I felt a little embarrassed for him then ashamed of myself. Embarrassed because most people would laugh at him and think he was a nut. Ashamed because I don’t know if I would have the courage Bill Taylor does. It takes courage to stand up in this world and speak out for Christ. You mention God nobody blinks twice but mention Jesus Christ and you’re suddenly; one of them, a bible thumper or a fanatic. After that set in I was reminded of one of the students, Cassie Bernall, who was killed at Columbine. She was asked if she believed in God and when she said yes she was killed. Michael W. Smith wrote a song about her called “This Is Your Time”. The song starts:

It was a test we could all hope to pass
But none of us would want to take
Faced with the choice to deny God and live
For her there was one choice to make

Would I be able to pass that test? I love God and I love Jesus Christ but would I put my life on the line for my beliefs? The answer is, yes I would. Christ laid his life down for me and it’s because of His choice and His actions that I will have eternal life with Him. Christ did have a choice. He was human and He could have said, “Sorry Father, I don’t think I can do this” but He didn’t. He loved us so much that he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Christ also had faith in God. He knew that His Father wouldn’t ask Him to do anything without a reason and He obeyed Him. If He could willingly die so I might live how can I do any less for Him. I have faith in God and Jesus Christ, if I’m asked to deny Them or die I’d have to choose death for without God and Christ I wouldn’t have life.

After a long talk with myself and God I no longer feel embarrassed for Bill Taylor. I’m proud of him and proud that he is speaking out for his beliefs and letting the world know about Jesus Christ so they might also be able to pass the test.

I now ask you the same question I asked myself. Would you be able to pass the test?

2Timothy 1:8-10 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.