For Sunday, June 26, 2016 – Luke 9:51-62
Forward movement is one of the marks of discipleship. Whether or not we have been given detailed projections about the future, whether others will join us or turn away, help us or hinder us, the question is this: Will we keep following the one whose “face is set to go to Jerusalem,” who makes a way forward by being the way forward? Even if we never understand him fully, will we follow Jesus fully anyway?
What does it mean that Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem”? Possibly it is to say that with an even greater determination, with an ever increasing sense of his life’s purpose and calling, Jesus turns now to face the powers that stand against him. Will we turn with him? Or will we be distracted by those who do not follow, who do not receive him in the same ways, who are on their own path of understanding? Jesus is very clear—your way is not found in judging another’s way. Love those who seem to be against you; do not call down the flame of ridicule upon them, making a bonfire of their presumptions just because you do not agree. Don’t go back to old behaviors—move forward.
In the same way, do not say what you are not ready to live. Do not say, “I will follow you wherever you go … but first …” The people in your past? Just as God weaves the nests of the foxes and the birds, God weaves theirs. You lean forward. You be you. Returning to the good old days, even to say farewell, can stir up longing for what never existed there anyway. Whether a church or a person, a job or a family or a sentiment—whatever your fantasy life might be—it keeps you from following the new and the now with me. Trying to “have it all and then some” is too heavy for this journey. Let it go. Watch God fill the empty spaces.
Even in those times and places where it seems you are losing it all, watch yourself be given exactly what you need. Set your face toward Jerusalem; walk that way. Look forward. Move forward, freely and fully, with me.
