I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back.
No turning back!

Some of you are singing that song in your head right now. As we sing those lyrics, it is our hope and prayer that we will choose to truly follow Jesus with all our hearts and strength. No turning back. No turning back!

There is a stunning example in history in which a military commander wanted to ensure that his forces made this level of commitment. Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, is famous for conquering the Aztec empire and capturing their leader, Montezuma (who gave us his “revenge”). Cortes stunned the Aztecs with the use of gun powder in the Spanish artillery, the first time the Mexicans had ever experienced these weapons. As a result, the Aztecs came to consider Cortes the incarnation of Quetzalcoatl, a god who would conquer.

Perhaps less well known of Cortes’ exploits is how he convinced his own troops to conquer the Aztecs. When the Spaniards landed in Mexico they were vastly outnumbered.  There was a fear that, should the fighting prove challenging, Cortes’ troops might retreat to the ships and sail away.  In anticipation of this possibility, Cortes burned 10 of the 11 ships that had transported them to the scene of battle.  As a result, the men could only press on to conquer as there was no turning back.  No turning back!

Friends, Jesus is calling you to go and conquer new territories for the kingdom of God.  Your “weapons” are merciful lovingkindness and Biblical truth.  Jesus urges you forward by His still, small voice, knowing that although the battle can be challenging, there are more that are for us than against us, and ultimate victory is assured. 

Jesus is calling you to take the everlasting gospel to the unreached people of the world.  You need not be afraid.  He has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.  I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”  With promises like these, you must decide to follow Jesus.  No turning back.  No turning back!

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