Risk and Reward: Radical Read-Along Chapter 8

I'm linking up today with Marla's Radical Read-Along.  Won't you join us?

To start from the beginning of my Radical Read-Along posts, click here.

In the opening paragraphs of Chapter 7, Platt asks the following question: "do we believe the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following Him?" (p. 162)  Then he launches into a discussion of the places we'll go if we decide to follow Him.  And to take a page from Dr. Seuss, "Oh the places you'll go!"  Unlike the inspirational children's book, however, Platt reminds us where we are going and how we are sent.  

Like sheep among wolves, He sends us to great need, to great danger and to betrayal, hatred and persecution.  Why would anyone agree to this?  Well, for starters, most of us don't.  But those that do, it seems to me, do so because they answer Platt's question above in the affirmative.  They believe that, YES, the reward found in Jesus is worth the risks inherent in following Him!  They believe their safety is rooted in His sovereignty (p. 172), their security is rooted in His love (p. 173) and their satisfaction is found in His presence (p. 174).


Over the past two years, I have become more intentional about my walk with the Lord.  I have tried to stop covering my sins and get honest with Him.  I have longed for victory.  His response has consistently been- through Bible studies I've done, books and blogs I've read, Quiet Times I've had, retreats and conferences I've attended- find your soul satisfaction in me!  I am " your exceedingly great reward!"


So the message of chapter 7 of Radical for me has been no different than the message of Believing God or A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place or Breaking Free or anything else He's put in my path.  "This, we remember, is the great reward of the gospel: God Himself.  When we risk our lives to run after Christ, we discover the safety that is found only in His sovereignty, the security that is found only in His love, and the satisfaction that is found only in His presence.  This is the eternally great reward, and we would be foolish to settle for anything less."  (p. 181)

Do I believe that the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following Him?  Or have I been a fool?

Lord, I welcome Your conviction and Your Truth. I agree with You on how I've missed the mark and behaved a fool.  Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon me and move me to obey and follow You.  In Jesus' name, amen.