On the Way

(Note: This is the first in a series of devotional thoughts for the season of Lent; it will continue through Easter. Comments, questions, insights are welcome. Bible passages will be referenced but not printed. You are encouraged to read them before considering the thoughts which follow here.)

Wednesday, February 17. Text: Luke 13:22-30

Are you a goal oriented person? Perhaps a single-minded, tunnel-visioned, focused person? In today's world, especially regarding career goals, athletic or artistic prowess or other things, we are often encouraged to let nothing stand in our way. Everything is secondary, expendable in light of where we see ourselves headed. Or maybe you are on the opposite side of things related to destinations. In true postmodern fashion, the focus is on the journey, not the destination; it's the experiences, not the specific direction which counts. In this case, the stops along the way are what end up determining the endpoint.

As Lent begins this year, I am drawn the journey of Jesus toward his destination and how he dealt with the things that happened and the people he encountered as he went toward Jerusalem. This is not the first time in Luke's telling of the gospel that Jesus is described as heading toward Jerusalem. In Lk. 9:51 Luke writes that, "he resolutely set his face to go to Jerusalem." That determination, that purposive setting of direction never wavered. Yet at several points the narrative is punctuated by reminders that events occurred, people were healed, and words were spoken "along the way." Today's text begins similarly: "He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on his way to Jerusalem." He knew where he was going--and what would occur when he would arrive. Yet he was ever the teacher and healer, the convictor of the comfortable, comforter of the afflicted as went on his way.

The words which follow are words of stark warning to those who would "consume" religion without having it shape their actions and attitudes. Outsiders would find his kingdom while the consumers would be left out. As we begin the traditional period of Lent--a time of reflection, repentance, and humility--it is appropriate to consider whether we have prayerfully sought the balance between setting our sights on a worthy goal in such a way that we minister the love and grace of Christ to those we encounter "on the way." And it may be especially relevant to those who are in ministry to be mindful of that precarious balance. God may have placed a certain goal or destination on our hearts. But He does not want us to pursue it in such a way that we fail to see the needs of people encountered on the journey; nor does He want us to allow the ever-present neediness around us to deter us from the pursuit of His calling.

Let us help one another in seeking the narrow way.