One Step, Two Step

[John Becker]

I found the theme again this morning in Isaiah 2:3 "And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths."

Years ago I memorized Ps. 86:11 after hearing a devotional by Gary Casady - "Teach me thy way, O Lord, I will walk in Thy truth; Give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name."  That has become a constant prayer of my heart.

It is a simple two step. Jesus leading and us in his embrace. Us being led by his gentle movement. One step - teach me your ways, two step - I will walk in your truth.

It takes a learner's heart - hearts and attitudes bent towards Jesus - hungry - "Lord teach me!" and then we learn the truths - The Way that Jesus has marked out for us. His path.  It is clearly laid out for us. We don't have to divert. 

We were recently in Kenya and once again I enjoyed looking on the hills and valleys of the beautiful landscape. Most Kenyans use their own two feet for their daily travel. I am always struck by the well worn paths everywhere. Across a grassy field there is one path of red worn soil, through a plantation, there is one path of red worn soil. They don't divert, relying on the well known and reliable path.

Jesus calls us, "Come to me. Follow me. Walk!"  Jesus said, "I am the way."  His Truths, His well worn path, marked by his blood, has left a distinctively red trail for us to follow. He promises us fruitfulness, to be fishers of men, so that we can truly fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 2 and see many people following us up to the mountain. Mount Zion, Jesus himself.  He also promises that it is a road marked with suffering. "Take up your cross daily and follow me", he says. But it leads to true life, true joy.

Come on, let's go. One step, two steps....

I invite you to share how you are learning the way. What new things is Jesus teaching you?  How are your walking the path? Where is Jesus leading you?

[John Becker]

Hi Gary. Thanks for the comment and further illustration. Wonderful. Do you remember when you shared Psalm 86 with us at the first TIMO Leader's Forum outside of Arusha?  You and Linda had just completed a fast and had meditated on this. Good stuff.

What's up for Thailand in April? I need to read your latest update that came out a week or so ago.  Getting caught up after FARM.

Your brother,

John

[Gary Casady]

Thanks John!!!  The picture reminds me of a scene when we were on survey in Mozambique. There were well worn paths, paths which avoided the hundreds of thousands of land mines which had been scattered all over the land.  To get off of the path was very likely to result in maiming or death.  The same is true in our spiritual lives.  Satan tempted our Lord, was defeated as our Lord walked in submission to the Father and used truth to ward off the darts of the Evil one, but Satan left only to look for the next opportune time.  Straying, gives him those opportunities.  We so very much need to walk these paths in community.  I have just picked up an older book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman, it is such a simple yet profound little book on how our Lord trained his disciples to do the one step, two step unto death.