Pause

We are all called to be followers of Christ. Being a follower brings wonder and insight, comfort and peace, but it also brings challenges and encourages us to see the world in new and startling ways.

Following is a daily decision to join our risen Lord on the path to which we are invited. It is a decision to open ourselves to both the wonder and the challenge.

Now is the time to decide. A new, startling view of the world awaits.

Listen

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 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?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

Luke 9:51-56

Think

Have you ever felt unwelcome somewhere? Have you ever entered a room that felt like it went ice cold the second you walked through the door?

It is uncomfortable to know that we are not welcome. It hurts our pride to know someone does not want us around. This can lead us to react in many different ways, including overreacting.

But when Jesus himself was not welcome, when an entire village went ice cold upon his arrival, he chose to just walk away. He quickly stopped the escalating overreaction of his disciples and just moved on.

Following Jesus does not mean that we will be welcomed everywhere we go, but it does mean that we have the strength and love of Christ empowering us to keep walking when we find ourselves unwelcome.

Jenny Clamon

Pray

God, thank you for humble strength and courage when we need it the most. Help me to use them today. Amen.

Go

Following means commitment to a way that is sometime clear,
And sometimes vague.
There is no assurance that you will always know certainty,
But you will surely know this:

The One you follow will always be with you,
Just ahead of you, offering in every moment,
In darkness and in light,
The invitation.