“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17, NKJV).
Why didn’t most of the people Jesus contacted follow Him? Was their childhood unhappy? Did they have too many other things to do? Was it just not meant to be? Maybe the Lord didn’t want them.
WRONG! All of that is wrong. Jesus wanted them desperately! “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often I WANTED to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings . . .” (Luke 13:34a).
Why didn’t they follow Him, then? Let Jesus answer: “. . . but you were not WILLING” (Luke 13:34b). That’s right, Jesus seeks willing followers. He always has. He created humans with the ability to choose freely between right and wrong. We are not mere pawns in a cosmic chess match. God does not move us against our will. He has clearly revealed His own will, and he is ready, willing, and able to help us obey Him. But He does not and will not force us to comply. Obedience must come from the heart (Romans 6:17).
Through His word, God seeks to persuade people: “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). What is the goal of this persuasion? He wants us to become “willing and obedient” (1:19).
The Jews of Jesus’ day could have received eternal life from Him. They claimed to have confidence in the Scriptures that testified of Jesus (John 5:39); but they were “not willing to come to Me” (5:40).
Likewise, if we are not following Jesus faithfully, it is because we are not willing. We try in vain to blame it on our childhood, our circumstances, our schedule, or even blame it on God. The fact remains that our own will is the deciding factor. ARE YOU WILLING?
–Joe Slater
