Come and See

This post will be based upon the challenge in the book, 21 Days Closer to Christ, by Emily Freeman.

A coworker was having a baby shower. I thought it would be fun to go, and I liked the people I knew I was going to see there. But when the time came, I didn't want to get ready, and I didn't want to make arrangements for someone to watch my kids. I chose not to go.

Simon and Andrew were fishing when they saw Jesus (Mark 1:16-18). Jesus invited them to come with Him. They stopped everything to follow Jesus. What prevents me to following and coming closer to Jesus? Time? My obligations to my kids? I want to spend as much time with my kids, and if I do leave them, who will watch them? Finding care for them forces me to step outside my comfort zone. Something I don't like to do.

At church today we discussed obedience. The first time I read the scriptures, I read it because I wanted to. It was such a spiritual high. We have been commanded to read and ponder the scriptures, but lately, I have been reading them just to get them done. Just to say, "Check, read scriptures." It is better to do something because of fear or obedience, then not to do it at all. But how much greater would it be if our heart was fully engaged.

"Ask, and it shall be given; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt 7:7). And now, leave behind small pursuits to come and see.

It is my turn. I want to come closer to Christ.

Matthew 15

The scribes and Pharisees contend against Jesus—He heals the daughter of a gentile woman—He feeds the four thousand.

Matthew 14

John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of his garment are made whole.

Matthew 13

Jesus explains why he teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people.

Matthew 12

Jesus proclaims himself Lord of the Sabbath and heals on the Sabbath day—He is accused of casting out devils through the power of Beelzebub—He speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and says that an evil and adulterous generation seeks signs.

Matthew 11

Jesus acclaims John as more than a prophet—The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are rebuked for unbelief—The Son reveals the Father—The yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden is light.

Matthew 10

Jesus instructs and empowers the Twelve Apostles and sends them forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick—Those who receive the Twelve receive the Lord.