12 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Luke 5:12-16

When Jesus healed the leper, He told him to go to the priest and do what Moses required by making an offering. He told him to tell no one. Instead the leper proclaimed the story to everyone. Sometimes Jesus tells us to do something, but we think we know better. Instead, we do what we think is best, even when it contradicts what Jesus commanded. I do this sometimes.

Would it not be better to do what Jesus, Creator of the universe says to do? Do I really know better? “If only Jesus knew what I know, He would have told me to do this other thing! Let me do that other thing.” I think Jesus knows everything already.

Let us ask Jesus for help, and then do what He says. Let us also do it quickly. It is worth doing what and when Jesus tells us.

Another thing we run into is that Jesus tells us to do something, but after doing it for a while, we want to stop. We want something else to do. Life with Jesus is a long game, not a short one. In Genesis 22:1-2 God told Abraham to go to the mountain. Which mountain? You will know it when I tell you. In other words, keep on the path I have set you upon. I will give you the next direction in due time. Learn from the journey, not the just the destination.

Abundant life is found dwelling with God. It is a series of waves. There are times of high activity and output, and then there are seasons of rest. God created the Sabbath to rest upon, so we could listen to Him. So we can be better prepared for the work ahead.

Wait upon the Lord today. Pray and then listen to Him. Do what He says, obediently. Until He gives you the next thing, the next task, the next thought, the turning to follow Him more closely.

Enjoy the journey with your travel companions, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They want this life with you, to give you Life. At Christmas and all year, walk with them, rest with them and work with them.

Pastor John