Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Long fall Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Matthew 4:22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Jesus. "God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son to point his finger and tell us how bad we are ... He came to help!" -- Ben Hoerr So, when Jesus tells me to follow him, He wants to help. "Leave your boat, leave your father ... I want to help." The pain I feel is holy pain of healing. Whole becoming. No more holes, no more callouses, only the sweet smooth baby skin of being born again. Of course my father wants that new skin too, and Jesus wants to help him get it. He calls us all. "Follow me." What are we going to do, Jesus? "Learn to be loved." I am learning that I can't be God's servant till I notice I'm his son. Till I know I'm his son. Till I live like I'm his son. "We'll play in the fields of the Lord, and you'll watch me heal and pray, rejoice, laugh, and listen only to our Father." I admit I'm afraid of what you'll do with me, Jesus. It's hard to trust you. I think I'm bad ... how can you think otherwise? You tell me my survival depends on sacrifice and humility, and that I should let myself be weak so you can be strong. Just let go, Dave. Let go. I'll catch you. I think I'll go roll in the leaves. Maybe jump off a ladder into the big pile of soft and crackling leaves. Feel all that earth around me, down on the ground. Follow me, Jesus says. Calling. Don't be afraid. In the winter, Lord, we can sleep and sleep, rest and grow stronger for the spring when there is work to do. Let me rest in you, and put my head on your chest. You have all the time I need. Thank you. "; Add      Edit    Delete