SCRIPTURE
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)
OBSERVATION
Jesus' answer was in response to a statement by a teacher of the law, "I will follow you wherever you go." (Matthew 8:19) The teacher was looking for a destination, a place to arrive. Jesus said he had no place to land, "no place to lay his head." He was not saying he did not have a place to sleep, a time to be refreshed, but that he had no permanent place to call home. He was on a mission. That mission did not include stopping to settle down.
When we follow Jesus there is no arriving, at least on this earth. He moves and takes us where we need to be. That's what following him means. We are followers not sitters. Much like the cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness, following Jesus means we go where he leads. Viewing spiritual growth as a process (moving on to maturity but never arriving) prevents us from getting comfortable wherever we are. Where we are is not where we are to permanently land.
APPLICATION
I want to end up somewhere. It's much more rewarding to check off the "to-do" lists than have items that are open and in process, to be able to finish a task and move on. It would be nice if spiritual growth was like that. I'm as loving as I need to be. Check. I'm as patient as I need to be. Check. I'm as self-controlled as I need to be. Check. Following Jesus means there's always room to grow and go. Where he leads I need to follow and that doesn't happen by thinking I've arrived somewhere. Since, he has no place to lay his head, I guess that means we're moving on.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you're not finished with me. I want to get comfortable but you call me to follow. You lead the way.
