Jerusalem

Luke 9:51-62 (The Message)

When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem.

He sent messengers on ahead.

They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality.

When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, "Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?"

Jesus turned on them: "Of course not!" And they traveled on to another village.

On the road someone asked if he could go along. "I'll go with you, wherever," he said.

Jesus was curt: "Are you ready to rough it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know."

Jesus said to another, "Follow me."

He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral."

Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God's kingdom!"

Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home."

Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."

What's it like at your house when the family is ready to begin a journey?

We have three little boys at our place, and so usually once the vehicle is loaded, shoes have been found, teeth have been brushed, juice cups have been filled and all seat belts buckled, we're ready to be back home...before we've even left.

Getting ready can be tiring work. Most folks when they're ready to go, they're really ready.

They don't want to wait and wait. Certainly Jesus seems the same.

He knew what lay ahead in Jerusalem. He "gathers his courage," and "steels himself" for what lies ahead.

Most biblical scholars think that these concluding verses of Luke 9 mark a significant change in the movement of this book.

From here on, though much will happen through the next several chapters, we're always "on the way to Jerusalem." It looms large on the horizon.

What does that mean for us?

Well, there will be moments when we'll want to stop (like James and John) and "incinerate" those who won't go our way (wow!).

We'll have very legitimate excuses for delay.

And we'll always be reminded that "now" is the time.

The best time to begin the journey is today. Now is the only moment we have.

No procrastination. No backward looks. Seize the day.

Prayer: We are people prone to delay and backward glances. Show us your future, opened wide around us. May we begin taking steps, today.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.