Already, but not yet

Have you ever had a strong sense that you were supposed to take a step in a direction, and yet you were not sure of where the next step and the ones to follow would ultimately lead? Has there ever been a season in your life in which you were confident that you were where you were supposed to be and doing what you were supposed to be doing? Have you ever had the sense that you were part of a divine assignment . . . that what you were working on was part of something much larger than your individual goals?

In this week’s reading (Matthew 4:12-23), Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, and then James and John to be his disciples (followers). They “immediately” left their livelihoods and families in response. Readers are informed in verse 12 that John the Baptist has been arrested and that Jesus has “withdrawn” to Galilee. Even if we did not already know how the story would end, we would be aware that the journey ahead would be treacherous. So treacherous, in fact, that John the Baptist will later question his earlier impressions of Jesus. “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” (Matt. 11:3).

My guess is, had someone explained to them ahead of time how their journey on earth would unfold, the decision to leave everything behind to follow Jesus would not have been immediate. In fact, they may have declined altogether. Which is cause for another consideration . . .

Have you ever had an experience in which, looking back, you were glad you did not know just how difficult the journey was going to be? That is, had you known, you probably would have opted for another path. And yet, as difficult as the journey had been, you were grateful for what you learned — about yourself, about God, and about the power, joy, and strength of relationships grounded in a shared mission.

Something tells me that this week’s discussion is going to be unique. If God calls you to be part of it, I hope you will immediately say yes!

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