Nougat 4

Blessed Fourth of July all, especially those from, or in the USA. May the freedoms fought for remain available to all living there. Siblings in the Caribbean, please check in to let us know how you are and the extent of damage in your country. There are at least 9 deaths, and we pray no others will perish from this storm.

In the midst of political and personal conflicts, celebration of freedom, and storms raging all around us, what do we mean when we say we cling to Jesus? How would we respond to Today’s Holy Nougat

Matthew 8:19-20 NIV‬

[19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

[20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Truly Following

Reading the preceding events to this conversation might shift our view of the situation. Jesus had had a full day of miracles and teaching, including casting out demons and healing the sick. He was preparing for some rest & recuperation (R & R) with the disciples only. Having overheard Jesus’ plan, the teacher informed Jesus of his intention to accompany Him.

What was behind the teacher of the Law’s declaration, I wonder. Were his motives pure? Was he using that as an excuse to try to see what Jesus and the disciples did at the end of the day? Was he trying to find out if there would be more miracles and get the inside score? Did he hope to gain spiritual gifts for his ministry? Jesus, Who knows the hearts and minds of us all responded most cryptically. He did not overtly refuse the teacher’s offer, but His comment implied that the teacher’s presence was not likely an asset. What would have been Jesus’ response to us?

Are we willing to forego creature comforts in our pursuit of Jesus? When we count the cost, are we able to see beyond the fame, miracles, and other visible manifestations of God’s Spirit to the discipline required in following Jesus? And, having counted the cost, are we willing to ‘drink of the cup’ that Jesus drank from?

We are most happy when we hear of saints being preserved, rather protected, in disaster situations. As we ought. But what if the saints were to face grief and loss for the sake of the kingdom? Are we still good with Jesus then? Please don’t hear me wishing ill upon any of us, but what I think I hear Jesus asking the teacher of the Law, and by extension us, is: ‘Are you in this faith for the long haul, come what may?’

What does it truly mean for us to follow Jesus?

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May all we seek be found in Christ