God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
I do not appeal to you to screw up your courage and sacrifice for Christ. I appeal to you to renounce all you have to obtain life that satisfies your deepest longings. I appeal to you to count all things as rubbish for the surpassing value of standing in the service of the King of kings. I appeal to you to take off your store-bought rags and put on the garments of God's ambassadors. I promise you persecutions and privations, but 'remember the joy!' 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Mt. 5:10).
