Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

(from Jan 24th)

I read a great analogy last week in the Lutheran Hour Ministries daily E-Devotions. It was a perfect match to last Sunday's Gospel from Mark 1 where Jesus invited His Disciples to follow Him. It puts a great perspective on Jesus' invitation to all of us to "Follow Me."

Most of us have had that sinking feeling when we are traveling that we are lost. It is a rather helpless feeling to not know where we are going. Even though most males really despise asking for directions, we all hit that point where either we ask or we may stay lost. 

Now, there are two types of directions that we can receive when we ask. First, well intentioned folks may give us a long string of verbal instructions that, if followed, will lead us to where we want to go. They may go something like this," Well, just head down this road till you get to the old school building, then turn right. Go on down a bit and you will see the Flemmings pond. Turn left about a half mile past the pond on the right. Then go straight till..." You get the idea. Maybe we can interpret the instructions well...maybe not.

The second type of directions go like this, "Just follow me, I'll get you where you want to go." That is what Jesus is offering to us when He says to His Disciples of all ages, "Follow Me!" Jesus came here, and blazed a trail for us to follow, then sent His Holy Spirit to lead us. He didn't just give us detailed directions, He also invites us to follow His leading. He will lead us through trial and pain - He's already been through them. He will lead us through hurt and betrayal - He's already been through them. He will lead us into and back out of the grave - He's already been there!

Today, when Jesus invites you to, "Follow Me," go! He will lead you where you want to go, and then lead you home!

"'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said..." Mark 1:17a

Don't forget there's Homework:

+ Do you see following Jesus as a list of burdensome directions, or the joyfilled invitation to follow Jesus out of confusion into life, peace, hope, and joy?

Prayer Requests:

+ Pray that God's people may joyfully follow Jesus as He leads us to real living, today and forever.

+ For all who battle the foes of pain, hurt, and death, pray that the Spirit convinces they to follow Jesus on the way through this world and home.

Don't forget to check out the latest Hope sermons and Bible studies at: www.hopewarren.org

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John