Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Thought #7.2

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.
- Matthew 14: 13

Backtracking a little bit, Jesus withdrew to a desolate place. And he went alone. Loneliness and desolation, the roads to nowhere, but somehow those paths were already walked. God went before the crowds.

Get that. Christ has gone before us. And not only has he gone before us, but he has prepared a place for us. An easily accessible place. One readily available even on foot. Who ever said we would have no work to do on this journey? Because we are on a journey to find God. But God is apparent; He is not hidden from us. I mean, the crowds heard of Jesus then they followed him; they didn't have to seek for him; they simply followed.

Thus in following we seek God.

Not only did these people follow the Lord, but they also left their homes. They left all they knew to follow Christ.

Not only did these people leave their houses, their dwelling places, but they left their towns. They left friends and family. Jobs. Possessions. And they walked beyond the town borders.

Leaving all they had these crowds walked to a desolate place. To simplicity. Simple.

What would you leave behind if you heard the Christ was near?

How far would you go in seeking Him?

Would you simply follow?

Now catching up in the passage, a transition from desolation to abundance is made. Where once Jesus retired to a desolate place, crowds heard followed and gathered tother to be in his presence.

So may you find the Lord in a solitary place.

And may you be satisfied.

(with the simple)

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