The Ultimate Price paid in this earth’s history is clearly the cross. No human will ever be called to endure more than the Saviour bore for us. He died so I can live and that’s a big win in my books. I love and serve a crucified and risen Saviour because He first loved me.
The Bible clearly outlines the death and resurrection of Jesus but let’s start with a quote from Ellen White.
Ellen White:-
“The Son of God, heaven’s glorious Commander, was touched with pity for the fallen race. His heart was moved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost world rose up before Him. But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the universe there was but one who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into harmony with Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin – sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.” (Patriarchs and Prophets P63.2)
Jesus Himself paid the all time ultimate price, He died on the cross to save us from sin and give us eternal life.
Let’s start by remembering the all time ultimate sacrifice, one no human is ever going to have to bear, the cross. Yes Jesus paid the ultimate price, He died on the cross to save each and every one of us, and to pave the way to salvation. And yes it was worth it. But let’s take a closer look at where we are today. What is the ‘ultimate price’ and ‘is it worth it?’
First and foremost Jesus took the commission to die for our sins, Jesus paid the highest, ultimate price and no person will ever be called to pay a equal to or higher price than Jesus did.
Throughout history Jesus has raised up people to complete special missions for Him. Missions to help save others, to spread the gospel, or to witness for their faith. Many have ended up martyrs, jailed, persecuted, but they have faithfully gone where God directed and their sacrifice is never in vain. Jesus is close with his chosen agents, none enter the lion’s den alone, Jesus is always on hand to strengthen and encourage. But was/is it worth it? From a human view point some missions may seem futile but human eyes cannot discern the divine, there is always a reason, always a result whether the human eyes see it or not. In heaven’s eyes all missions no matter how small or how large, no matter if a result is seen or not, they are all worth it. Jesus would not place any of His children into a possibly dangerous position without it being ‘worth it’. Jesus loves us dearly and while some of the missions ended in suffering the ultimate outcome has always fulfilled God’s purpose.
Let’s take a look at a few:-
Waldensians
“From the mountain heights Waldensians protested against the corruption of the Roman church. They contended for the faith once delivered to the saints: that Christ is our Mediator, and His merits alone can cleanse from all sin.” (Ellen White – Letters and Manuscripts Vol 4)
The Waldensians paid the ultimate price, they spent their lives defending the christian faith, which without them could possibly have been annihilated.
John the Baptist
“John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ’s kingdom, and he was first also in suffering. From the free air of the wilderness and the vast throngs that had hung upon his words, he was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell. He had become a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas…” (Ellen White Desire of Ages 214.1)
John the Baptist paid the ultimate price, after heralding the arrival of Jesus he was imprisoned and subsequently beheaded. He was the first of the christian martyrs and others following in his footsteps gained strength and courage from his life and final sacrifice.
Daniel
Daniel 6:16,22 “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee…My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lion’s mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”
Daniel’s life of sacrifice and obedience to God no matter what has given courage to others down the line. Daniel wasn’t afraid to go into the lion’s den, he would prefer to sacrifice his life rather than betray his master. His example has been encouraging to all. Our duty to Jesus always comes first and yes, Jesus does have the power to save. Never be afraid to stand up for Jesus, your example (as did Daniel’s) will give strength to others following.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Daniel 3:21,25,26 “Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace…He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God…Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.”
Another example of standing strong for Jesus and holding firm to our christian faith, no matter what. What a beautiful experience for these boys, one that strengthens everybody’s faith.
Martin Luther
Ellen White:- “Luther now entered boldly upon his work as a champion of the truth. His voice was heard from the pulpit in earnest, solemn warning…” (The Great Controversy P129.1)
“From the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their feet upon the rock of His promises…” (The Great Controversy P210.1)
Martin Luther was a special agent called of God. The Roman Catholic church had gained a vast amount of control, so much so the church as we know it today was about to be obliterated. The truth needed to be preached and Martin was God’s man of the hour. His life halted the Catholic churches reign and religious freedom was again the law of the land. We owe a lot to Martin and his helpers.
As we can see from the above examples the devil is always in the detail. Nothing Jesus does is without the devil’s meddling. From the beginning the devil went to “make war with the woman and the remnant of her seed”. The devil is always fighting Jesus and attempts to thwart all of heaven’s plans, but our Saviour is stronger and wiser and while at times things seem futile Jesus will win. Heaven is our home and it is not far away.
As we get closer to the end of time these ‘missions’ are going to get more and more dangerous. The devil is desperate, he will stop at nothing to prevent God’s plans from progressing. The devil has a lot to lose, think about it, he is facing hell. So in this battle between God and Satan where does that leave us, yes friend, we are caught in the middle. There are two choices we have, heaven or hell. But whatever side we choose we are involved in the conflict, some more than others. Both teams need players, both teams need people who will step up and bat for them, but there is a major difference in their recruiting techniques. Satan cheats, his agents he possesses and forces to do his will, he offers no reward only death and destruction, he does not care who lives or dies, as soon as one person is out of the picture he abandons them and moves to his next victim. Jesus has a more tender plan, it is in His loving nature. Firstly Jesus will ask, if the answer is negative there in no harm done and no disgrace, their place in heaven is still secured, Jesus has given them the opportunity, they have denied and Jesus moves on to the next person. Jesus also offers what the devil cannot – salvation and eternal life. He offers us a heavenly home where peace and happiness reign supreme. Jesus is always by the side of His people whether they choose to work for Him or whether they live for Him, Jesus is always there comforting, supporting and strengthening.
The people who choose to work for Jesus in the trying day (end of time – today) need to be of a special breed. The devil is not going to hold back and unless God’s servants stand prepared they will be overcome. So if chosen and agreed where to from here. This my friends is the final ‘ultimate price’ in this world’s history. We are entering into the time of trouble, there is no second chance, there is no room for error. These soldiers for Jesus must be properly trained. This is not a ‘one job and our lives continue’, this is ‘we give it our all‘, our lives. Training takes a while, Jesus takes us through the furnace of affliction and as each trial is passed we move closer and still closer into Jesus’ arms till we perfectly reflect His image. Jesus and His angels will fight at our side but it is of utmost importance to remember we are fighting the devil. These last moves are going to be deadly, the whole world will be out to kill us, but Jesus will protect and as we fearlessly stand to defend our faith Jesus will stand with us. Jesus will tell us what to say, where to go, He will stand with us. If we land in jail Jesus will be there also, hiding in the mountains or caves Jesus will be by our side. It will be a time of fear and God’s people must stand strong and hold their ground. God’s chosen servants must hold steady and calm the growing tide of fear, if this ripple of fear is left unchecked it will grow into a tsunami and overwhelm the tired, patiently waiting saints. God’s chosen need to quell their own fears and anchor the others, stop the tsunami. Heaven is at hand, we are starting the run up to the end of time now. Now is the time to search our hearts, are we willing to ‘pay the ultimate price?’ and ‘is it worth it?’ The ultimate price my friend, is not just to live for Jesus but to work for Jesus as well. Is it worth it my friend? Is Jesus’ thanks and rewards in heaven, a place where pain and sadness is forever dispelled and happiness reigns forever more enough?
Friend, you choose, “are you willing to pay the ultimate price?” and “is it worth it?”
Amen