From as early as I can recall, I have been intrigued by the way things move and the impact they have. Whether on land, in or under water, or in space, it has been fascinating to me to read about and to see the way humankind has worked with care, and continues to, in order to understand the lay of the land, sea, air, and space, and all that is living. It is amazing that given the proper conditions and environment, damage can be reversed, and restoration and/or regeneration is more often possible than not. However, even in those cases where it is not, all is not lost. Knowledge and understanding… wisdom is gained, making it possible to move forward in new or different ways for those who follow. Nothing is in vain.

In the process of going about one’s business each day, there is a lot of navigating, some expected and some not. In the Book of Proverbs it is written: “Survey the path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure” (4:26). Where am I moving and in what way? How do I proceed as I go about my business? What is it that moves me in the direction I am heading? In what or in whom do I find a sense of security?

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 13, verses 22-30, Jesus, as always, moves with purpose and meaning, and his footprints are laden with lessons and examples of how to live. He leaves more than a path to follow. Jesus imparts love, truth (sometimes truth that can be very challenging), and wisdom.

As he travels, Jesus makes an impression that lasts far beyond his physical presence. And through it all, he is never stagnant or fixated in any one place or on any one population. As he moves through different towns and villages, he does not turn away a single soul who comes to him. Even when it might seem like he is going to (e.g. the Syrophoenician woman – Mark 7:24-30). With Jesus, there is room for all those who desire and strive to receive his peace and healing—to live and be with him.

Sometimes, it can be tempting to think of, or to seek, Jesus in what the human mind might label as “positive” experiences or outcomes, not recognizing his presence in all of life’s circumstances. In verses 22-30 of Luke, chapter 13, he is upfront, as always, about the fact that following him is not easy. On, and of, the earth, there are no guarantees. However, while we may be bound by human limitations, our spirits are not. In turning to Jesus, all that is eternal can be brought to life, both here and now, as well as forever, enabling and empowering us to be the voice of all that is truly good and to rise above situations and circumstances that may be difficult rather than avoiding them. It is in this way that one is able to examine the path and move secure, regardless of the conditions or the footing along the way.

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.” – Luke 13:22-30