Journeys

To journey with Jesus means living like an itinerant or sojourner. It means living simply and not being bound by possessions. It means trusting God to provide enough from day to day.

I suppose one of the intriguing sayings of Jesus is about himself, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Or more to point Eugene Peterson puts in more succinctly, “Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.” (Matthew 8:20)

Jesus is making abundantly clear that the following of himself and of his cause is worlds away from, for instance, from being an apprenticeship to or discipleship of a group like the Pharisees; the latter life-path might amount to little more than a quasi-professional niche in society as a teacher of the Law.

The following of Jesus and his teaching, by contrast may easily draw down opposition on disciples, causing them to be regarded as trouble-makers and disturbers of the peace – and even as targets, if need be, for removal by violent means. His disciples, Jesus warned, must be ready- like himself- to have the cross (or execution-beam) loaded onto their shoulders.

In light of this demand, the conditions for would-be discipleship are understandable. And there will be no security or comfort for someone joining Jesus ‘on the road’ as he traverses the land preaching.

S. I. McMillen, in his book None of These Diseases, tells a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application blank that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application, expecting the worst. To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: "Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower."

Holy Lord, I surrender my heart, my life, my possessions, and my future to you. Lead me in the path that pleases you and gives you full allegiance in my use of time, influence, money, and abilities. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen