Tuesday, June 8, 2010

RUNNING WITH JESUS

A few days ago I was reading about Jonah, one of those guys we love to use as an example of all that is bad in us. He ran away from his responsibilities, gave excuses, felt sorry for himself, and complained. He was generally bitter about life, and his jumping overboard seems more acceptance of fate than being courageous. When Jonah finally obeyed God, he became angry that God was merciful. We don't name our children Jonah because he isn't much of an example to follow.

Yet Jonah wasn't the only person to run. There is an impressive list of important people of the Bible who were runaways. Jacob ran from Esau, Moses ran from Pharoah, David ran from Saul and Elijah ran from Jezebel. Peter and the other disciples all ran away the night Jesus was arrested. It all began when Adam and Eve ran to hide when they heard the voice of God in the Garden. We might even make a case for Luther running away from life when he joined a monastary.

We all run at some point in our life, but I'm not referring to those who run to keep in shape. Around here I see quite a few people doing that, especially on Sunday morning. I prefer walking to running. A person can think better while walking and avoid twisting an ankle in potholes and pebbles. If you're walking away from your troubles, it's a shorter distance back home. 

What are you running from right now? Are you fleeing a stale marriage or a stack of bills? Are you running in circles at your job, running from church to church, or chasing the illusion of a perfect house? Is your new car or RV purchase really just another search for happiness in something you can buy? 

Jesus is the Savior of all runaways. He understands our frustrations and feelings. He runs with us while we're searching for happiness and is there waiting with open arms when we come back home. But do we really trust Him? Do we believe Christ's words that we are forgiven? 

A recent daily devotional had a prayer: "Jesus, forgive me for my past, walk with me in my present, and keep my safe and secure in the future you have in store for me." I encourage you to pray those words often, because they will help your faith.

If you're running, maybe it's time to slow down, check the course you're on, and run with Jesus!

No comments: