Alone in a Crowed Room

    I’ve often said being a Christian (particularly in our culture) often means being alone in a crowed room.  Those who seek God’s face are grieved by those things that grieve God, even if no one else understands their sorrow.  David, chosen by God to be king of Israel, understood this feeling of isolation.  He writes, “I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons because zeal for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Ps. 69-8-9).  Feeling isolated, even when surrounded by family is particularly hurtful, however for those who truly seek to walk closely with their Lord, it a familiar feeling.

    As Scripture reminds us, Jesus NEVER said following Him would be easy.  In fact, He said just the opposite. Paul wrote, “...all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2Tim 3:12) Jesus reminded His disciples that they would be persecute, brought before kings and put in prison because of His name. (Lk 21:12).  While we are prepared for this kind of opposition from the unbelieving world, when it comes from our family it seems to sting a bit more.  These are the people with whom we have the closest relationships.  They often know us better than anyone else and opinions matter more.

    There was a reason Jesus told those who wished to follow Him that unless they were prepared to put their relationship with Him above all other relationships, they could not be His disciple. (Matt 10:37; Luke 14:26) The cost of discipleship is considerable, and it can often lead to feeling isolated from some of the most significant people in our lives.

    As David Platt notes, the question that Christians must answer is, “Is Jesus worth losing everything for?”  Can we count EVERYTHING as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as our Lord? (Php 3:8) At times, following Jesus can feel lonely.  Like David, we can feel isolated (even when surrounded by friends and family) But what we gain is far greater.  We get Jesus – and that is more than enough.

In His Service,