“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”” Luke 9:57-62 NIV
Sovereign Lord,
Jesus on His way to Jerusalem for the last time. And he met many other travellers who had heard His teaching. Luke considers it important enough to record almost like eavesdropping, Like we were there. Like today some had excuses and see Jesus transparent honesty. So we too can learn to trust You. You do not make everything look rosy. You do not enlist disciples under false pretences. Jesus had it tough and nowhere to lay his head. It may not be easy, there is a battle against evil and a race to be run.
The important thing Jesus stresses is to start and continue. We may not have to travel overseas, give up home and family but we can faithfully follow here. It is our response to what You have given us freely, full salvation. Your grace, Heaven and Your glory to come. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.”
But not just now, but I’m busy, but I’m already caring for people . . . You call us to follow not as goats with there but, but, buts. Rather as sheep who hear Your voice (John 10:27-28). Keep us focused and following You, our great and generous God and Saviour. No buts . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Sovereign Lord,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and You would guide their steps today for good.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. Make them beacons of hope in the darkness of winter and world conflict.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst of it reforming it for the nations good.
For our King and Queen and their family and all the charities they represent.
For those in Iceland and the ongoing concerns and those not able to go home.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a strong, long pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An miraculous end to this war, conflict and bloodshed, starting now.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who are considering Jesus, beginning to hear about Him to take that step from knowing about to knowing You personally.
For all those who need to know they are loved today.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Thank You for the day we met You and knew Your love. Refresh our hearts and cause us to praise today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 24th November 2023
Yes it will continue to crop up because this as almost my favourite hymn of all time. It says it like it is, allows me to recommit and the melody is just wonderfully simple.
Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve
Pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change
Washes away the stain that once covered me
And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me
Wonderful love that held in the face of death
Breathed in it’s final breath forgiveness for me
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
Giving us life again setting us free
And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me
John Pantry
CD: The Gifts of God Series, Grace, Mission Worship