Devotion for Wednesday, June 12, 2024

“Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.  A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Matthew 8:18-19) .

How many times do we make a pledge and then go back on what we have just said?  The idea of intellectually acknowledging Jesus is not the same as to actually follow Him.  To follow Jesus means to go wherever He goes.  Yet, the truth is, we need to follow Jesus to wherever He will take us.  The Lord is Lord of all, and all things have their being in Him.  The question before each of us is truly a matter of life and death.

Lord, You know how weak I am and how I make quick decisions and then go back on them almost immediately.  I want to follow You, but You know how weak I am.  Guide me, Lord, so that I walk humbly with You always.  No matter where You take me, be the One who gently leads me along.  I want salvation, I just want it at no cost to me. But I know life does not work that way.  My struggle is between what I want and reality.

Lord Jesus, You have come revealing truth and life.  There is no true life apart from You.  Help me to be a willing follower, doing what You would have me do in order that I may learn how to be faithful in this call You have given me.  In Your goodness, be my guide.  In the Father’s will, take me where I need to go.  In all things, help me to look to You alone as the One who will save me.  Amen.