When Nelson Mandela 90 years old, was beamed from CNN interview with him. What has always fought this man in his life - until today he stands head held high, with clear thinking, firm voice and a winning demeanor. For many of his achievements can respect him. But the fruit of his labor did not come without sacrifice. 27 years, almost a third of his life, he has spent behind bars. As he has been treated there, one can only guess. When he was finally released in 1990, he did not stand up for the oppressed and disadvantaged people in his country. In the interview he was asked about his relationship with his family. His answer was that he did not regret having sacrificed his family life for the common good, because deep in his soul he knew that this was the right one. This statement got me thinking!
One of the books I've read, is titled "No Time for Tombstones: Life and Death in the Vietnamese Jungle," translated: "No time for grave stones. Life and Death in the Vietnamese jungle" It deals with three missionaries who were kidnapped in Vietnam, their willingness to suffer, their inner struggles and, finally, the fruit of their labor. risking the interview with Nelson Mandela, who was willing to make sacrifices for the general public, and the book about the missionaries who are willing, even their lives for their God, I am reminded of Jesus' words in John 12:24. He says:
" If a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies,
it remains alone;. But if it dies, it bears much fruit"
Most of us live in an environment that contains relatively little suffering. Our life is pretty comfortable with medical enough food, adequate basic services, without religious or political persecution and a dry place to sleep. Well, we call it "suffering" when someone sympathetic to our faith smiled or even laughed out loud. We mean to "suffer" if we are not exceptionally from work an hour earlier releases, to attend a Christian concert or if we are deprived of an official approval for something that has to do with the cause of God. Maybe some of these lists "miniature suffering" for Jesus' will. But these and similar examples probably not sensitive in the vicinity of the category, the Jesus in John 12:24, "bear fruit" when it comes to "die" and leaves. When I listen to Nelson Mandela's comment about his sacrifice for the general public - and even more so - when I read about the suffering those reading who are willing to pay the highest price for Jesus, then challenges me to the entire devotion to God.
a world of injustice, sin and hatred will not change without sacrifice. People who sink without Jesus in desperation, are bound to alcohol, drugs, materialism, sexual perversions, false religions and false teachings, will experience no help without the "wheat grain falls into the earth and die" - that is, followers of Jesus, the are willing to give up for Jesus. Jesus told us: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21) He was sent to love, to serve and to give his life willingly. His life was like a burnt offering, which burned to the glory of the Father and the blessing for the people.
Nelson Mandela, motivated by the social-political problems of his country was willing to sacrifice family life and much more for the public good. Disciples of Jesus - let us Jesus, our Savior look. Let us follow the footsteps of those who have dedicated their lives selflessly to the service of God.
" If a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, .
it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit "
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