by J. Randal Matheny

Would you answer this ad?

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success."

Ernest Shackleton placed this ad in the early 1900s. He was looking for men to help him discover the South Pole.

Five thousand brave candidates stepped forward. Out of those Shackleton chose his crew.

Jesus Christ published his call two millenia ago.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters -- yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27, NIV).

An all-or-nothing voyage. Hazardous. With inclement weather. Long periods of privation and suffering. Perils within and without. Not a venture for the comfortable.

But with honor and glory for the successful.

Would you answer this call?