Adventure
by Zeke Flores
Perhaps the most effective employment ad was also one of the most bizarre and unlikely. It reportedly read, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful.”
You wouldn’t think there would be men lining up for that job, but the employer was overwhelmed with responses. The recruiter allegedly said, “𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘶𝘴.” The employer was Sir Ernest Shackleton, and the “job” was for men to assist in his expedition to the South Pole. Or so goes the legend associated with the ad. While we can’t be 100% certain such an ad actually appeared, it’s not difficult to imagine.
It not only appealed to the adventurous spirit in most people, but also to the deep-down courage and desire most have to achieve something great, no matter the cost. For the men who followed Shackleton, they certainly experienced hardships they had never encountered before. Still, they made history and achieved something far greater than they might have by staying home. The ad appeals to the heroic and determined nature in every one of us, but it is up to us to dig down, turn it up, and persevere!
It reminds me of Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 where He appeals to people to deny self, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. Jesus calls men and women to a dangerous journey, the way of the cross. But we don’t go without a Leader. As Shackleton would lead his men on that hazardous journey to the South Pole, in a much larger way, Jesus went before us and blazed the way we should go.
Through the centuries, many have responded to the call of courage by forsaking all to follow Jesus. Paul was one, and the list of hardships he endured (II Corinthians 11) attests to his unswerving dedication. For many others, there were times of darkness and constant danger, but their commitment to the mission prevailed. Ours can too. He continues to call for those who will follow Him regardless of the cost.
Will you?
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).
"Are they servants of Christ? -- I speak as if insane -- I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death" (II Corinthians 11:23).
