Do You Want to Be Along?

Godfred Hansen, the Danish first lieutenant who was second-in-command under Roald Amundsen during the Gjøa expedition through the Northwest Passage, recently wrote:

“Roald Amundsen’s success in reaching the South Pole and returning again must not be attributed to luck. We should be aware that Amundsen spent years examining and studying his equipment down to the most minute details. He put all footwear and ski bindings through sustained and rigorous testing. Provisions were thoroughly researched and tested in every possible way, and the packaging was carefully designed. They did their best to ensure that they didn’t take too little or too much, etc.”

Roald Amundsen did not underestimate the harsh elements he would be contending with. He made thorough preparations and then set out on his journey. He reached his goal and returned safely.

Our life with Christ is a life of detail. When we diligently take heed to each one of His words and obey them, we will also win great spiritual victories. “For strong is the One who executes His word.” Joel 2:11.

A reprehensible theory has become prominent in our day, which claims that Jesus has done everything so we do not have to do anything. Roald Amundsen reached the Pole in person. He showed us the way and the means by which we could get there. But if we want to reach the Pole, we have to personally make the journey ourselves. Jesus made the way, and He Himself attained the glory. If we want to attain His glory, we must follow Him. This teaching that Jesus has gone the way so that we do not have to is of one father: the devil. One of the last commandments Jesus gave His disciples while He was still on earth was this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you . . . .” Matt. 28:18-20.

Believers and unbelievers alike have had all their needs met through the evangelists. People have lived so close to the world that the invitation to come to Jesus and have their sins washed away has been sufficient nourishment for those who call themselves Christians. God has also placed prophets, shepherds, and teachers in the church, but people have had no use for them. Yet these are the ones who equip the saints for the work of ministry. Eph. 4:12.

What people need now is thorough instruction in becoming obedient to everything that Jesus has commanded. They need detailed instruction. But first they need to be awakened to the fact that they need instruction.

Some people boldly proclaim: “We have the Spirit who will teach us all things, so we do not need anyone to teach us.” John wrote this verse concerning those who tried to deceive the disciples. 1 John 2:26. But God has certainly not placed prophets, shepherds, and teachers in the church in order to deceive people.

Virtually everywhere, people resist the knowledge of God. People gather for spiritual entertainment. They sit down to eat and rise up to play. God allows us to play while we are children, but not forever. He wants to instruct us. “For He has given you the teacher of righteousness, and then sends you rain.” Joel 2:23 [Norw.]. The intention is that we learn something from this teacher, but not everyone understands that they must pay attention to what is being spoken. People are too scattered in their thoughts. Their thoughts race here and there. That is why God has appointed people in the church who can take such scattered human thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. That is a great grace from God. If a person has finally been brought to the point where they can listen, then there is a possibility for them to begin to put it into practice. Only then do they have the possibility of overcoming and of achieving real spiritual results.

A number of believers have already had their eyes opened to the fact that there is a lack of instruction. They have received the Word with great willingness and made a new start by cleansing out all the old teachings and leaven. We have faith in God that many more will follow their example. You who do not believe this, who do not have any confidence in the knowledge of God, come and put this to the test. Test your strength. Are you, with all your rejoicing, able to stand up to those who have wholeheartedly given themselves to understand these things? I believe you will be sorely put to shame, because God wants us to receive instruction. To take up a battle against one of His disciples—against a person who is genuinely interested in being instructed—would be like fighting against God Himself. You will most certainly be defeated in this battle. You are not equipped to go to the spiritual “poles” until you have diligently searched out the commandments of the Lord and determined in your heart to keep them carefully. Will you use your strength to resist this, or will you humbly bow under the will of the Lord?