Word@Work Luke157 - Luke 9:57-58
Published: Thu, 07/29/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TRAVELLING WITHOUT COMFORTS
Luke 9:57-58 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (NIV)
Jesus was popular; at least He was at this stage of His ministry. He attracted a following of those who admired Him and wanted to identify with His wisdom and wonderfully powerful deeds. This man was one of those. He wanted to follow Jesus wherever He went. But he did not understand that the Saviour was going to the cross. Rapturous applause would be replaced by ridicule and the wisest man alive would refuse to answer impertinent questions at a mock trial before going to His death. None of the disciples understood either.
So Jesus gently explained what they could grasp. He may have been feted by the crowds, but He had no home. At the end of every day, He slept on a borrowed bed or stayed up at night praying to Father God. He was literally 'on a mission', and had no time for the trappings of a celebrity lifestyle. Those who followed Him would suffer the same inconvenience and apparent uncertainty of their day-to-day lives. Even foxes know where they are safe and birds have a familiar perch; but for Jesus, every day and night was different and nowhere guaranteed safety.
Interestingly, the church grows best when it is under persecution. But Christians who have settled into the luxuries of pleasantly predictable lifestyles have little incentive to risk their friendships, reputation, employment, liberty or lives. However, all around the world today, where those threats present a daily challenge, those who live for Christ shine much more brightly. It is as though comforts lull us into a false security that all is well, when really we are living in a world that is under the judgement of God. Only His grace can save us, and only His gospel tells of how to receive what He freely offers. If we are true followers of Jesus Christ we must risk the dangers of living and speaking like Jesus. Meanwhile, whatever your situation, please pray for your brothers and sisters who suffer more than you do.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the wonderful example of Jesus who did not invest in money, houses or possessions. Thank You that He was never deflected from His mission by surrounding Himself with personal comforts. Please forgive me when I have done that and ignored my responsibilities as a follower of Jesus. And now I pray that You will strengthen my brothers and sister throughout the world - those whose comforts have been taken away, or who have chosen to forsake them for the sake of the gospel. May Your promises be their daily encouragement, knowing that they are following in the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ. For His Name's sake. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus was popular; at least He was at this stage of His ministry. He attracted a following of those who admired Him and wanted to identify with His wisdom and wonderfully powerful deeds. This man was one of those. He wanted to follow Jesus wherever He went. But he did not understand that the Saviour was going to the cross. Rapturous applause would be replaced by ridicule and the wisest man alive would refuse to answer impertinent questions at a mock trial before going to His death. None of the disciples understood either.
So Jesus gently explained what they could grasp. He may have been feted by the crowds, but He had no home. At the end of every day, He slept on a borrowed bed or stayed up at night praying to Father God. He was literally 'on a mission', and had no time for the trappings of a celebrity lifestyle. Those who followed Him would suffer the same inconvenience and apparent uncertainty of their day-to-day lives. Even foxes know where they are safe and birds have a familiar perch; but for Jesus, every day and night was different and nowhere guaranteed safety.
Interestingly, the church grows best when it is under persecution. But Christians who have settled into the luxuries of pleasantly predictable lifestyles have little incentive to risk their friendships, reputation, employment, liberty or lives. However, all around the world today, where those threats present a daily challenge, those who live for Christ shine much more brightly. It is as though comforts lull us into a false security that all is well, when really we are living in a world that is under the judgement of God. Only His grace can save us, and only His gospel tells of how to receive what He freely offers. If we are true followers of Jesus Christ we must risk the dangers of living and speaking like Jesus. Meanwhile, whatever your situation, please pray for your brothers and sisters who suffer more than you do.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the wonderful example of Jesus who did not invest in money, houses or possessions. Thank You that He was never deflected from His mission by surrounding Himself with personal comforts. Please forgive me when I have done that and ignored my responsibilities as a follower of Jesus. And now I pray that You will strengthen my brothers and sister throughout the world - those whose comforts have been taken away, or who have chosen to forsake them for the sake of the gospel. May Your promises be their daily encouragement, knowing that they are following in the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ. For His Name's sake. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WLuke157 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2010 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group