Faithful To The End

The invitation to follow Jesus is no small matter. The more we follow Him, the more we will become like Him. Imagine what this will mean for daily success! We will multiply our wisdom, because Jesus is ultimate wisdom, and “he that walketh with wise men shall be wise” (Proverbs 13:20).

We will also gain the rare quality of creativity that is so essential to success, because Jesus is the Creator. (See John 1:3.) Most of all, we will grow in the character of Christ, because He is the perfect expression of all the character qualities of God.

In addition to all of these benefits, there is something even more exciting.

Those who follow Jesus can receive a “double portion” of His power if they fulfill one important requirement. Do you know what it is?

Many heroes of faith accomplished greater things than the one they followed because they fulfilled this one prerequisite.

Samuel served Eli and then accomplished greater things than Eli.
Joshua served Moses and then accomplished what Moses failed to do.
David served Saul and achieved greater victories than Saul.
Elisha served Elijah and got a double portion of his power.

Each one of these men remained faithful until the end. Elijah explained this prerequisite when Elisha asked him for a double portion of his power. “…If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee….” (II Kings 2:10).

Jesus made the same stipulation when He said to His disciples, “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). The word saved is the Greek word sozo, which can refer to physical, emotional, or spiritual vibrancy. During the ministry of Jesus, many disciples became offended and stopped following Him, but Jesus said of those who remained faithful:

“…The works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

The faithful disciples had a double portion of Jesus’ power because the Holy Spirit was sent to them. And, through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, they accomplished great things for God. Let’s purpose now to follow their example by faithfully following Jesus until the end.