The topic we all like to avoid.
Read time: 2 minutesSelf-denial and sacrifice for the sake of Jesus and his Kingdom have fallen greatly out of fashion in the affluent West. And while I might consider myself having sacrificed–e.g. moving away from family, living by choice on below average income, in global and historical terms, I am extremely safe and comfortable, even prosperous, with a home and car of my own. And even a second home in Bangkok now that we live in two places.
Given the words of Jesus, and writings like Hebrews 11 or Romans 8:17 (“…if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”), it is clear that we 21st century anti-discomfort, anti-risk Christians would do well to at least bring up the subject. And indeed that is a key purpose of our mission.
This poem has been attributed to George MacDonald since at least 1909, but I have been unable to find an actual publish date or original source. It’s been given different titles, mostly “Obedience” and “What Christ Said”, so I made up my own. I am not a MacDonald scholar, but I am not aware of other writings by him on this sort of theme. So I do wonder if it was perhaps misattributed and caught on. MacDonald died in 1905. In any case, I’ve always felt it states very well the example of Jesus, and the call given to those willing to make tough choices for the promise of greater reward.
I said: “Let me walk in the fields.”
He said: “No, walk in the town.”
I said: “There are no flowers there.”
He said: “No flowers, but a crown.”
I said: “But the skies are black;
There is nothing but noise and din.”
And He wept as He sent me back –
“There is more,” He said; “there is sin.”
I said: “But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun.”
He answered: “Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone!”
I said: “I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say.”
He answered: “Choose tonight
If I am to miss you or they.”
I pleaded for time to be given.
He said: “Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem so hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide.”
I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said, “My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”
Then into His hand went mine;
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light divine,
The path I had feared to see.
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