PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 9:57-62
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Jesus said to him, ‘you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'” (Luke 9:57)
What strikes me in this reading is the different responses of Jesus.
As I walk with Jesus through the gospels, I notice he rarely responds the same way.
How he heals people, how he relates to people, what he says to people – it changes.
He is gentle with sinners, and firm with religious leaders.
He simply calls some to follow him, and yet warns others about how hard it will be.
He loves the rich young ruler, but tells him he first has to give up everything.
He goes to Zacchaeus’s house just to eat, with no invitation to follow at all.
I’ve come to appreciate how Jesus personalizes his response to each person.
My assumption is that each person NEEDED the response they got, for a good reason.
Jesus knows that what I need to hear and you need to hear are different.
My faith journey requires different surgeries, my calling differing preparation.
We are all called to proclaim the kingdom of God, but in unique ways.
It helps me to know Jesus has personalized his response to me… does it help you?
How has Jesus shaped and prepared you to proclaim his kingdom through your life?
PRAYER
Lord, you love everyone the same but you work in each of us uniquely. You know my strengths, you know my weaknesses, and you know how to prepare me to be who you need me to be! Thank you!
Excuses – we can make many excuses – but it detracts us from following Jesus – the prodding of the Spirit within us. Often I come up with an excuse but I’m not comfortable with it and then I end up doing what I should. What is the resistance within me? Is my comfort zone broken? Yes, many times it is – I’d rather not bother. But following Jesus means I better be bothered – that I better respond. But that sounds belligerently – half-hearted – duty bound – where’s the joy of serving the Lord? I find that if I overcome the initial resistance within me – I do come to the point of contentment/joy – in serving and following Jesus. Sure there can be struggles – but I can get a strong sense of Jesus with me – and that is a blessing.
Pilgrim’s progress.
On the road walking in His Light.
Not looking back but staying focused on serving Him. All for Jesus. Doing His will also today. Lead on O King eternal.
1
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs;
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
2
Let my hands perform His bidding;
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let mine eyes see Jesus only;
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
Let my lips speak forth His praise.