January 13th Devotion

Matthew 10:37-39 (NIV)
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Jim Elliot and four young companions, all in their twenties, journeyed to Ecuador to meet the Auca Indians. There they died. The Aucas attacked them, killing them with spears. The young missionaries had guns with them, but refused to shoot. They did not reach the Indians, but amazingly, their widows later came to Ecuador and reached the entire tribe for the Gospel!

Years later, a young man traveling in Ecuador flew in a small plane over the country. The pilot knew of Jim Elliot's ministry.

"When we fly over the place where Jim Elliot and the others died, show me," the man said to the pilot.

"I can't take you there," replied the pilot.

"Why not?"

"Because Jim Elliot did not die in Ecuador."

Perplexed, the young man remarked, "Yes, I know Jim Elliot died here in Ecuador."

"Jim Elliot's body expired in this life," the pilot said, "But Jim Elliot died while a college student at Wheaton College several years before. He yielded his life to God then, no matter the consequences."

You see, for Jim Elliot, the step from this life to the life beyond was a little one, because he walked so close to Jesus.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” - Jim Elliot

These young missionaries experienced what Jesus was saying. They lost and gained their lives in a jungle far away, and many years ago. Is Jesus’ statement still true? Can it apply to you and me? Take the time to see how you can apply this truth in your life. Think about your family, friends, community, work, church or whatever, and how you can apply this truth.

Love, Pastor Don