It's always nice to go to a place where you feel comfortable and at home. But it's another thing to leave a sense of well-being and venture into the unknown.
Jesus calls us to be with him, but his call is also to go, to move into areas that are unfamiliar and even foreboding.
Still, it is good to remember that Jesus' promise is to be with us no matter where we roam. That promise holds for you now.
"Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house."
Luke 10:3-7
Have you ever wondered why Goldilocks was in the forest? The book says that she just decided to go for a walk – a walk out in the forest with wolves, snakes, and bears.
Much like Goldilocks, Christ sent the 70 into the world, which is much like a forest. Now I doubt they encountered very many wolves, bears, and snakes, but I am sure they encountered deceitful people, people hungry for hate, and people thirsty for anger. The difference between Goldilocks and the 70 is that Goldilocks ran away from the bears. The 70 stood firm and continued on their way to do what Christ asked of them.
When being sent by Christ to go out into the world, don’t run from the bears.
Timothy Peoples
God, as I go out into this world that is much like a forest filled with vicious creatures, help me to stand firm in my task. Help me to share peace with all that I meet. Amen.
Go.
Go where you are needed.
Go where you will find God –
In the eyes and
In the faces
Of God's beloved ones.
This is where you are being sent.
This is where you will find your work and,
Eventually,
Where you will find yourself again at home.