Focus
Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God.
Read
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53 but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 Then they went on to another village.
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Reflect
Another season of Lent is upon us. The Christmas season is over, the excitement of turning the page into a new year has calmed down. Now, like Christ, we set our face toward Jerusalem. We like James and John might be concerned about all the noise around us. We are caught up in whether or not people are agreeing with us, or being true Christians, or standing for the right things. If not careful, we may be wanting to bring fire from heaven to consume them. Jesus would rebuke us today. He is set to go to Jerusalem.
Or maybe we are like the others Jesus passes along his way to Jerusalem. They all want to follow, but we have to get some things done first. Again, Jesus rebukes them and us. Its time. It is time to give up our lesser priorities and focus on doing the work of God.
As we begin Lent, what are you hoping to receive? What do you need to let go?
Pray
Lord, Have mercy on us. We confess we have fallen short and without your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now. As we enter into this Lenton Season, Help us, to feel the right convictions and to repent. Help us, by your Spirit, to have the strength to overcome. Amen.
Go with God!
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