The Cost of Going All The Way With God, 3

by David Wilkerson

2. You Will Be Cast Out

Jesus warned His disciples of the further rejection they would face: "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you thinks that he offers God service" (John 16:2). Jesus is saying, "I'm telling you these things so you won't stumble. Don't be surprised when the lukewarm church throws you out, because they don't know the Father or Me."

If you intend to go all the way with Christ, you must be prepared to bear his sufferings: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you...All things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me" (John 15:18, 21).

Who reproached Jesus, heaped shame upon His head and villified His name as filthy? It was the man-centered religious crowd! Just as Christ walked in this world and was subject to its rejection, so are you. If the world persecuted and reproached Him, they will do the same to all who die to self for His sake.

This is one reaction from the "religious crowd." But then again you may find that just the opposite is true from another segment of church life: If you are in a church that is lukewarm, the people likely won't criticize what 'anyone' thinks.

I have heard hungry Christians say, "My church is dead. What shall I do." Their answer can be found in the book of Acts. The apostle Paul went into every new synagogue he encountered and tried hard to persuade any lukewarm churchgoers about Christ, hoping they would hear. But the people's response was to expel Paul from the region.

Hear this warning: Do as Paul did and get out! He 'shook' off the dust from his feet against them" (Acts 13:51). Paul said to these religious Jews, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it...we turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46).

If you are in a fellowship or church that has heard the truth and has turned aside, "Lo, leave it." You are not going to change anything -- but they may change you! "What communion has light with darkness? ...Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you'" (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17).