“And Jesus said unto them,
Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And he said unto another,
Follow me
But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him,
Let the dead bury the dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farwell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him,
No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9 v58-62 AKJV
To be like Jesus. On his journey, his missionary journey of life, Jesus encountered many and was rejected of many as well. There were some who it seemed would choose to follow maybe seeking some recognition of some type, others who would yet had a strong will to take care of what they thought of needed first and then follow.
This sounds harsh, but what Jesus told them is that even he at times had no place to lay his head at night. He was not designated an earthly home to sleep in every night. I believe he wanted them to be aware of the fact the journey had it’s purpose way above all the things this world would have us desire, yet not put us as individuals on a pedestal of self. The times of rejection even in his last week after a ministry of many miraculous events tells the callousness of people who get caught up in the spiritual warfare of good against bad.
“…The Bible teaches over and over that one of the truest marks of a Christian is to be thoughtful and considerate in all relations of family life, especially in times of sorrow. Jesus means that the things of God are of infinitely greater importance, and in case of conflict there should not be a moment of hesitation. God first always.” Halley’s Bible Handbook p506
A navy veteran friend of mine reminded me earlier on this week of the soldier and how they are to survive in the time of crisis. “Rely on their training” to get through the toughest spots. One must understand how to follow direction completely from those who have already been through the battles or can see what lay ahead.
This world and the expectations of people at times can seem to much to bear, but with Christ we can follow his way and be over-comers. Today’s politics in government, but even in the church can throw huge challenges to ones desire to fulfill God’s calling, but is never deemed as an opportunity to turn away from God’s calling. Expectations of this world is not our sustaining strength. Our strength is in God’s grace not only in his forgiviness of our sins but in the Godly power to over-come. True humility is to understand the joy that comes from the peace of God that passeth all understanding.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4 v6,7 AKJV
Lord, I thank you for this day. I pray for my own and for all others. Amen
January 15
Threecrosses 