The Best Guide

~~~ Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 ~~~ (Psalm) ~~~ 

Deuteronmy 32:35CD-36AB, 39ABCD, 41

~~~ Matthew 16:24-28 ~~~

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,

take up his cross, and follow me..."

Guided tours...hike through the forest...mountain trail...

A tour guide alerts you to what is important

 to notice in the present environment.

A tour guide often carries a flag pole so you can 

see to follow him/her.

The guide knows the material...they are familiar with the space.

I know with a guide I get so much more information.

I have many friends that find zip lining to be exhilarating.

Having followed the path to the high point

they get into a harness and zip down along the cable line.

When you are ready to find a guide you check 

for the person with the highest ratings...the best reviews. 

Jesus is the perfect guide...

He asks us to follow him. He knows the way.
He has so much wisdom and knowledge he wants to share with us.

...take up his cross, and follow me..."

This is where we are tempted to pass up the
opportunity to follow Jesus the perfect guide.

We are never quite sure we can take up our cross...never
sure we want to carry our cross.

But even those who follow a guide
 through the woods carry their backpack.
Sometimes this backpack can be a very heavy load.

The interesting thing is that you become so engaged
in listening and following the guide that soon
the backpack no longer seems such a burden.

The same is true when we accept the invitation to follow Jesus.
We must take up our cross, but he quickly makes the journey
 so incredible that the cross seems to become lighter.

Jesus is the most wonderful guide for us.
He leads us into the most breathtaking places.

He leads us to everlasting life with him...
where all beauty, truth, and love awaits for us.

Blessings to take up your cross and follow Jesus.
The load of the cross will seem lighter
and you will be
in peace.