On vacation, my daughter would rather reach a single vacation destination, make that location what the military calls a “forward operating base,” then travel daily to sites in all directions, before returning to spend another night in her new home away from home. Her mother agreed.
Of course, some journeys require you to move every day and sleep in different places every night. An ocean cruise might be a good compromise—you can travel a thousand miles while taking your lodging with you.
Women feather the nest. Ladies seem wired to move in, fix up, and make things homey. One look into the home of the bachelor next door (through his cloudy, un-dressed windows) proves the value of a woman’s touch. I get it. Everyone likes a sense of being rooted somewhere, if only for a few days.
Jesus gave that up. Though living as a creature, He gave up “creature comforts.”
(Think about THAT—first He gave up “Creator-Comforts,” then He gave up creature-comforts.)
“‘Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head’ …. Then they all got into a boat. Suddenly a violent storm arose, and the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping on a cushion” Matthew 8:20, 22-24.
IS IT: This Man needed so much rest, He could sleep through a storm—even with waves tossing the boat and water pouring in over the gunnels?
OR IS IT: This Man had so much rest in His heart, He could sleep through a storm? It’s the latter. When the disciples woke Him, He said, “Why are you fearful, ye of little faith?” v.26. WHAT ARE YOU SO AFRAID OF?
We love a soft bed in a cozy home, and God gives that to nearly everyone. But like Navy SEALs on a combat mission, Jesus had a higher purpose. He was on the road, battling evil, preaching Good News, and sleeping wherever He could find a pallet. Night-after-night He operated without a home base. It was an uncomfortable, homeless, nomadic existence. But Jesus drew thousands into His Kingdom—where His Father prepared what?
MANY MANSIONS.
God, grant us courage to give up creature comforts sometimes. Remind us we are tougher than we think—and You will give us our ultimate home.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 