Luke 9:51-62 (NRSV)
Read Luke 9:51-62 on biblegateway.com
Verse 51When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Verse 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; Verse 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. Verse 54When 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?" Verse 55But he turned and rebuked them. Verse 56Then they went on to another village.
Verse 57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Verse 58And 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." Verse 59To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Verse 60But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Verse 61Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Verse 62Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Devotion
It would appear that a mantle of destiny has been laid across Jesus' shoulders. His face is set. One can imagine a forbidding determination. Does he fully understand what awaits him? Certainly he imagines a legal challenge and a public accounting. Shame and discomfort are assured. But as to the rest, perhaps even Jesus sets his imagination aside for a time; just to keep his feet moving in the right direction. All we can do at this time is watch or, better yet, take up our place just behind him in the grim march forward. Sometimes discipleship calls us to paths unknown. Our only assurance is that we cannot step where Jesus has not first gone or where Jesus will not be with us.
Prayer
Abiding God, walk with us. The road is often dim, the way uncertain, our part yet to be cast. Walk with us. Stay close. Be our light and the guide at our right hand. Amen.