The Journey
A faithful parishioner has exceeded by several years the expectations of medical doctors. Tell him today is “beautiful,” and he will respond, “Every day is beautiful. Some are just more beautiful than others.” Ask him how he is feeling, and it will not be long before he will say, “The only reason to live is to help others.”
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” is a Chinese saying.
I know two people who had similar surgery. Both are elderly. One of them purposed to regain health. Physical therapy was just a part of the painful venture. Instead of complaining when the therapist worked the injured muscles, the person learned what could be done when not with the therapist. Daily this person exercised and worked the distressed muscles. Almost 100[%] recovery was achieved.
The other person refused therapy, saying that it was too painful. Any effort that caused pain to the distressed muscles was stopped. The muscles healed stiff and restricted, leaving less motion and less strength.
Countless times in life we witness folks who come to Jesus. In His presence they become keenly aware of their sinful nature. The intent of Jesus is to help them get up and going. Only a step is needed. Just the effort of one step: “Rise, take up thy bed and walk,” Jesus said to the crippled man John 5:8). EFFORT! One Step!
Peter and John saw the man at Gate Beautiful: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk,” was enough (Acts 3:6).
Unfortunately, the habits of life, the guilt and shame, and the pain of trying to change cause many who have met Jesus to turn away in despair at the pain involved to follow Jesus.
Jesus said to Levi: “Follow me (Mark 2:14). Levi rose and left all and followed him. He left his job for a new career, left his love for money, left his acquaintances in the profession, left his powerful contacts in government that he had probably bribed to get his lucrative job, left comforts that money could buy, and left the security of knowing that he was in charge to follow someone that Levi did not know. Nor did he know the destination of the journey.
Often I ponder the wonder of the first step. With joy I remember the delight Laila and I had in seeing our children take their first steps. With joy I watch persons who have just taken their first step to follow Jesus.
Yes, it is true. When we follow Jesus we are not in charge. We are servants of the Most High God. We recognize that He has created us. We did not create ourselves. We were made for his glory. He is the Commander-in-Chief. He has authority and power to place us wherever He wants to place us that will bring honor and glory to him. In deserts, mountains, cities, remote places, on ships, in airplanes, as pastors, as chaplains, as nurses, doctors, teachers, farmers, (you can put your name and title here___________), He lovingly places us in His vineyard.
The joy comes from salvation in him. In times of distress, we glory in the cross, hope in the Resurrection, and remember that the Holy Spirit is with us to strengthen us for the journey. We have been given eternal life. We get up and going. The drive within us to bring glory to the Name of Jesus helps us take the next step. We scoff at the pain. We refuse to stop. We cannot keep from putting our foot out for one more effort: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain! (Philippians 1:21).
Oh, it is true that Covenant Church is having a good season. The Lord is being gracious as winds blow favorably. Yes, there are challenges; however, the Holy Spirit is guiding and empowering us. We are committed and ready for the next step.
Yes, we must reach the lost. Yes, we must send missionaries and go. Yes, we must wisely plan for expansion of facilities at the main campus. Yes, we must constantly review ministries and plan to stretch the comfortable, experience the pain of the next step, and be determined that we will never resort nor fall back to being self-serving.
We are increasing prayer. We acknowledge our lack of being humanly able to do the work of the Lord without the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, it is a good day to be alive and see God doing glorious works! Rise and walk!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Bare
Acts 3:6