Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

The Other Jesus, Part 2, Week 2, Day 2

LUKE 9:57

As they were going down the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Here someone volunteers to join Jesus’ company. Matthew adds that this man was a scribe (see Matthew 8:19). If so, then it would have taken an extra measure of courage to align himself with a teacher who was unpopular with Israel’s legal community of Torah experts. Notice the unconditional quality of the pledge, “I’ll follow you wherever you go.”

Commitment is a serious matter, and it deserves careful consideration because Christian discipleship offers great rewards but requires great sacrifices.

PRAYER

Gracious God, sometimes I carry your name in a casual and haphazard way. My commitment wavers and flickers and fluctuates. Forgive me—strengthen my resolve to live and serve with genuine enthusiasm and real fervor. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Other Jesus, Part 2, Week 2, Day 1

LUKE 9:57-62

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 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.”  To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

God speaks in the imperative voice many times in scripture. To Abraham and Sarah, he says “Go! Go and start a new nation.” To Moses, he says “Confront!—face Pharaoh on behalf of my people.” To David, he says “Compose!—write psalms and songs for the worship and prayer life of my people.” To the prophets, he says “Speak!—tell my word to Israel.” To Mary, he says “Nurture—nurture my son into life and faith and love.” Jesus’ most characteristic imperative words were “Follow me!” How do you understand this invitation that is in the form of a command?

PRAYER

Gracious God, to follow your son Jesus is to become like him in character and values. Grow his virtues in me. Let my generosity expand, my faith extend, my courage multiply, my compassion deepen, my love abound. Grant me a spirit of obedience to his commands. Amen.