3/2/21

"And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were all amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him," (Mark 10:32)
The disciples are picking up on the heaviness of Jesus' heart, as they draw closer to Jerusalem. They sense that something is about to go horribly wrong.
I believe that we sometimes have a premonition. More than that, the believer has the Holy Spirit to guide them and to instruct them. The disciples were aware that things were changing. Changes can be discomforting, causing us to fear.
Notice:
1) Christ is in front, leading them. "...Jesus went before them:..." The believer is never to be ahead of Jesus. We should make it our purpose to follow the Lord. If we follow Him, wherever we are, we will be where we are supposed to be!
2) Sometimes, the Lord takes us to frightening places. "...and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid." They were in awe about what was happening, and they were frightened because of it. When we are in tight spots, we are astonished, by it, and often wonder how or why this could happen to us. But, one thing is for certain, He will be with us, and will take care of us.
3) We face fear with the truth. "...And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him," Jesus took His disciples to a private place, so He could talk with them without being interrupted. Then, He told them what was about to happen. Jesus was kind, and tenderly tried to tell them of the awful cross of Calvary. It was the best way to handle the situation. I believe we should always be honest with one another, and tell the ones we love what is happening. It is the best way to prepare one another for the awful, and the unpleasant things that are often a part of our pilgrimage on earth.
The Christian life is not a life of luxury, and is certainly not without problems. It is a life on this earth, which is tainted and flawed by sin. Bad things often happen to good people, here. We are often made afraid by circumstances. We become sick, and we will succumb to failing health, even death. Those we love will also have similar problems.
But, Christ goes before us, and we need not be afraid.
Our best way of coping with life on earth, is to follow the Lord, and try not to get ahead of Him. "Wherever He Leads, I'll go!"
From my heart to your heart.