Always Stretching

Scripture – Luke 4:42-44: 42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Reflection: Jesus was clear about His mission. It had been an exciting day for all the people. Early the next morning, He went out and found a private place. He did that often. I assume He found some kind of refreshment in those times. I certainly do.

On this morning people came looking for Him. They wanted Him to stay with them and continue the ministry there. But that’s not why He came. He did not have a local ministry, but one for other towns – other places.

I don’t know how much, if at all, he was tempted to stay. I know I’m tempted to stay where I am. There’s great comfort in the familiar – even if it’s less than ideal.
But God is always calling me to move, to stretch, to do new things, to experiment, to grow. I will take my lead from this snapshot of Christ. I will move forward. I will let Him stretch me in some new ways. How about you?