In the early days, when settlers were heading West, the people who traveled by wagon train had scouts. These were men who had traveled the trail previously. They knew where there was water, they knew where game was plentiful. They also knew the dangers of rivers that needed to be forded and places where water was scarce, and the terrain was dangerous.
The scouts would lead the wagons on.
You already know that I’m a planner – a list maker. I imagine many of you are like me and looking forward to the end of the year. There’s so much to do, so, we better begin now.
This morning, I was making mental notes of all the things I need to do once we get home. (I had been doing it in my sleep and it robbed me of my rest.) I stopped my mental tracking and said, “Lord, what is it You want me to focus on?”
Lord, lead on!
Jesus is much better than those wagon train scouts. He came to earth to live in a human body so that he would experience all the things we face. He faced every trial and temptation and was victorious in all things.
“ Jesus clearly did not come to help angels, but he did come to help Abraham’s descendants. 17 He had to be one of us, so that he could serve God as our merciful and faithful high priest and sacrifice himself for the forgiveness of our sins. 18 And now that Jesus has suffered and was tempted, he can help anyone else who is tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 CEV
The safety of the wagon train was experienced leadership. Listening to the advice of those who had been there before and not striking out “doing it my own way”. The same is true of our Christian walk.
“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV
When we humble ourselves and trust in His leadership, letting Jesus chart the path before us, He will lead us safely through to our final destination. He will keep us from calamity!
“Show me your paths and teach me to follow; 5 guide me by your truth and instruct me.
You keep me safe, and I always trust you.” Psalms 25:4-5 CEV
Lord Jesus, lead on!