Day 3-Friday, February 16th
The Real One
John 1:35-42
In the late 1800’s as Americans headed West to settle the frontier, families often had a final destination in mind, even if it was only a place they had read about in an East Coast newspaper. Some of these places, like San Francisco, were thousands of miles away and required travel through harsh uncharted territory. Many families, after running out of supplies, patience, energy, and determination decided to settle at different places along the trail far short of the destination.
I believe that it is possible to do this very thing with the Journey of Lent. We start off with the cross and resurrection in mind but end up distracted at different places along the road and never quite reach the desired place. We abandon our fast, our Bible reading, our worship attendance, and our sincere intentions lead us back to where we started.
John the Baptist understood that he and his ministry could be a distraction for these disciples. He makes it very clear that Jesus was the Messiah and encourages them to follow Jesus.
I believe the role of encouragement and accountability in our spiritual lives cannot be oversold. Where one falters, two can stay strong and stay on the path. Through John’s encouragement, the two disciples press on for an encounter Jesus!!
(How many times have we fallen short of a goal because we had no one to help us persevere?)
Jesus, sensing the disciples following Him, turned and asked quite a loaded question.
Rather than overwhelm Jesus with a litany of questions, the disciples simply want to know where Jesus is staying so they can be with Him. During this season, may our hearts long for this as well!
Question to consider:
Today, as you spend time in reflection, consider your answer to the question of Jesus “What do you want?” Take time journaling today the answers that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.