Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as He went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. Luke 13.22 NLT
Always going forward. Always teaching. Heading to His death.
Have you ever wondered how Jesus must have felt about now? I can feel His urgency to have as many people as possible to understand what He was telling to them. He kept saying the same thing over and over. Each town was the same. He knew the response of the people would be the same, some would accept His teachings, others would not. Yet, He wanted them to hear and make a choice. He didn’t want to miss anyone. So He kept on, heading towards Jerusalem with each step.
Have you ever wondered if Jesus thought about going back to the carpenter’s shop? That was a safe, secure and precious time for Him. The scraping sound of the knife shaping the wood. The smell of the sawdust on the ground. The warmth of the sun coming through the open door warming the air. A peaceful and gentle conversation with Joseph. Why would anyone want to leave that?
Jesus left what was safe and comfortable, to do what His Father had called Him to. His love for Abba was greater than the comfort of the wood shop. The passion to proclaim the Good New was greater than His need to stay comfortable, so He went.
Do you have a passion for Jesus? Do you have a need to tell someone about Him? You may have that passion, but it’s really comfortable where you are. You may even be asking yourself, could I really make a difference?
You will never know the depth of the difference you will make until you try. Even with doing His will, you may never know how much of a difference you will make. That’s not the point. The point is obedience.
And yes, there are times you will want to head back to the old wood shop. Back to the security and comfort of the known.
I would like to encourage you today, to take that first step toward wherever God is calling. The first step may be the hardest, but the second and third and forth can be just as challenging. Yet, I want you to have courage, listen for the call and follow. You will be blessed with a peace that will make you want to sore!
There are times I will ask Jesus if He really means for me to do this or that. I’ll commit. When I have to follow through, I’ll be asking, are You sure You meant this year, Jesus? Are You sure You want me?
Every time the answer is, I’m asking you to do this, for ME. Yes, I want you to start now.
So pick up whatever you’re called to, join hands with the Savior and start. He doesn’t expect us to take a giant step forward. He wants the little steps, so He can teach us along the way.
Best thing you can do? Keep moving forward.
Jesus,
You are so very gentle and wonderful with me. I know I challenge Your calling and question Your choice of me. Please forgive me for my obstinance. Please forgive me for my lack of faith in trusting You. Please give me Your courage to move forward, to proclaim Your greatness and love to those You place in my life. I ask today that You will take me by the hand and I thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me.
Amen
With The Savior 