From Pastor Cody Natland, Spokane, Washington
John the Baptist pointed out Jesus in a crowd, saying, "Here is the Lamb of God!" Rather than simply confirming this identity to John's followers, Jesus responded to their questions with an invitation: "Come and see." Instead of simply giving an answer, Jesus invited them to come along. Have you been invited to just come, and see? Has someone simply shown you, their way? Have you invited others to come along beside you in your life?
I wonder what it might look like if we did this more in our interactions with one another, to share life together rather than to simply give an answer. Or to step more deeply into our relationship with the Universe, accepting its invitation to "come and see" what things are like. You can see what I do, and you may decide to take some parts of my example. Much of what I do is best for me. You may like some of it too. When you walk with me, I don’t tell you what you should do.
Of course, the word “walk” as used in scriptures often means to follow beliefs, rather than actual physical walking. However, there are scriptures that refer to physical walking. It is good exercise; it makes you feel better.
May the freebies (grace) of the universe be abundantly available and utilized by you and may peace be yours in your own way! I would like to see what you will do. Let’s walk. Here are some ideas and thoughts about walking:
Genesis 13:
17. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.”
Deuteronomy 5:
33. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
1 Kings 3:
3. Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.
14. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Proverbs 9:
6. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
Isaiah 40:
31. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Luke 9:
57. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
John 1:
38. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39. “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
Revelation 3:
4. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
04/09/23