“One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (Mark 2:23-28 NLT)
Before I get started, let me share with you that the Lord is in charge of scheduling. I turned the TV off at 10:10 p.m. last night. I intended to get up nearer to 4:30 a.m. But what I was intending to do did not take precedent over God’s scheduling. At 12:45 a.m. I can honestly day, “The Lord woke me up this morning, and started me on my way.” He is the Master Scheduler. Now for the meditation.
I often get responses to what I have written in a meditation via my personal email. Most of the times they are words of agreement or words of gratefulness for the meditation, and even personal reflections that reveal a commitment to put the actual words they read into action. Yesterday morning, not long after sending out, “Don’t Schedule Jesus,” encouraging readers to let the Jesus come out in them on a continuous basis, I got a reply from a faithful reader that said, “My schedule is so full, it will be hard for me to comply with what you are suggesting.”
I had to react, just like Jesus in the passage above. Let me share my response because it just might benefit others. “First, to schedule Jesus, you have to move the “My” out of the way; “My” plans, “My” itinerary,” “My” things to do, and a plethora of “My” stuff! Second, scheduling the Jesus to come out of you does not refer to an event, a ministry calendar, a gathering of believers, or any planned behavior where you will set aside some time to serve others or show them the love of Christ that dwells in you.
Schedule Jesus by letting the “My” be replaced by “Him,” Jesus, in everything you think, do, and say aloud. Jesus schedule for us is 24/7, every day of our lives. (I found that out once again this morning.) And as we grow in Christ, we will get better at letting the Christ come out in us, regardless of our fleshly disposition, our worldly position, or our personal ambition.” This is my reaction to the reply. I hope it is helpful to you. Have a great Tuesday! Be blessed!
“If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” (I Peter 3:13-15 The Message)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King