Forsake: God's Unfailing Promise and Our Response

To forsake means to abandon, leave behind, or renounce something or someone entirely. In Scripture, this concept carries profound spiritual implications, both in terms of God's character and human responsibility in the divine relationship.

God's Promise to Never Forsake

At the end of his life, Moses said to Joshua, "The Lord goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Later, God reiterated this promise personally to Joshua (Deut 31:6,8,23; Josh 1:5,9). This divine assurance establishes a foundational truth: God remains faithful to those who trust in Him, as expressed in the Psalms: "Lord, you haven't forsaken those who trust in you" (Ps 9:10, 37:25).

Jesus said, "I will never leave you" – Matthew 28:20

The Israelites, despite their good intentions, would consistently turn from God. In response, He would cast them off for discipline and hide the consciousness of His presence (Deut 31:16-18; Josh 24:16,20). This was not negating God's word but demonstrates that, like most biblical promises, God requires humans to keep their part so He can fulfill His role. If we remain faithful to God, He will remain loyal to us. We, by our choice, determine our own destiny.

God was not powerless or His purposes nullified when believers were martyred in past times, or even today, as many continue to die for the sake of the gospel (Heb 11:35-40). He never forsakes those who remain true to Him. Paul said, "I was left all alone but the Lord stood with me and strengthened me...and will bring me safely to heaven" (2 Tim 4:16-18). Stephen, when he was being stoned to death, saw Jesus standing to receive him into heaven (Act 7:55-56).

Christ's Sacrifice and Victory

"My God, why have you forsaken me?" were the words prophesied in the Psalms and voiced by Christ on the cross when spiritually separated (temporarily) from His Holy Father, who could not look when He was identifying with humanity's accumulated sin (Ps 22:1; Isa 59:2; Mk 15:34). But the resurrection powerfully demonstrated that God was still in control, and Christ has now been exalted to the highest place (Phil 2:9).

Jesus said, "I will be with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). While we are never forsaken by God, we are called to forsake our past. "Let the sinner forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him...Go now and leave your life of sin" (Isa 55:7; Jn 8:11). God's way is the outworking of repentance.

Our Call to Forsake and Follow

Jesus said, "If anyone doesn't give up everything he cannot be my disciple," yet not one who has left all to follow Him will be disadvantaged in heaven (Mt 19:27-30; Lk 5:11, 14:33; Jn 12:25). Unfortunately, some who start on the Christian path abandon the faith, leaving the Savior in exchange for some pleasure they are not prepared to lay on the altar of sacrifice (Mk 8:36; Jn 6:66).

To fellowship with God, we must leave our sinful ways

The call to forsake is not merely about giving up possessions or habits, but about a complete reorientation of the heart. When Jesus invited His disciples, they left their nets, their families, and their livelihoods immediately (Mt 4:18-22; 9:9). This radical obedience demonstrates that following Christ requires placing Him above all earthly attachments—whether relationships, careers, wealth, or personal ambitions.

Forsaking the world does not mean withdrawing from society but refusing to be conformed to its values (Rom 12:2). The Apostle Paul counted all his worldly achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-8). He wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20). This is the essence of true discipleship—dying to self so that Christ may live through us.

Count everything as loss for Christ

Discipleship comes at a true cost, but its rewards are everlasting. Jesus cautioned that anyone who places their family above Him is not worthy of following Him (Mt 10:37). However, He also assured that those who give up homes, families, or fields for His sake will be rewarded a hundredfold and receive eternal life (Mt 19:29). Though the sacrifices we make now may seem significant, they are minor compared to the future glory awaiting those who remain steadfast, for He owes no man anything. The Bible assures us that God keeps every promise; He is always faithful, and those who rely on Him will never lack. Whatever we sow in faith, God will reward in His own perfect time and way.

Hold fast to your faith and, through having a deepening relationship with Christ, you will not be pulled away by the enticement of the world's system and values (2 Cor 6:14-18; 2 Tim 2:19; Heb 10:23; Jas 1:14; 2 Pet 2:15; 1 Jn 2:15). When Jesus was arrested, all His disciples deserted Him and fled, but He remained committed to the end (Mt 26:56; Jn 19:30).

Reflection and Application:

Trust in God's promise to never forsake you.
Examine what you need to forsake to follow Christ fully.
Strengthen your faith through deepening relationship with Jesus.
Resist the enticement of the world's values and systems.