Daily Reading
Daily Thought
A crazy, vibrant, eccentric guy named Mike Yaconelli described the wild, beautiful, messy, wonder-filled life he has had following Jesus Christ, “If I were to have a heart attack right at this moment, I hope I would have just enough air in my lungs and just enough strength in me to utter one last sentence as I fell to the floor: ‘What a ride!’ My life has been up and down, careening left then right, full of mistakes and bad decisions, and if I died right now, even though I would love to live longer, I could say from the depths of my soul, ‘What a ride!’” (Mike Yaconelli, Dangerous Wonder: The Adventure of Childlike Faith).
Jacob’s life was a roller-coaster ride, with highs and lows and violent turns, and now God tells Jacob to go to Egypt where he will make Jacob’s descendants into a great nation, fulfilling the promise God made to Abraham. “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again” (Genesis 46:3-4). God also promised Abraham this great nation will be persecuted and enslaved in Egypt, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years” (Genesis 15:13).
If you are Jacob, do you say, “Yes”? Do you go with God down to Egypt? Is it worth it? Are you crazy?
God has invited you to be a child in his Kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ. He also mentions you will suffer for your faith. A lot. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). The life of God is a roller-coaster ride, and there will be lows among the highs and violent turns, and you may find yourself upside-down at times. Such an offer!
Do you say, “Yes”?
You should. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s worth it.
Mike Yaconelli died of a heart attack in 2003. He was driving late at night, alone in his truck, so we do not know if he said it, but it seems likely… “What a ride!”
Daily Prayer
My God, what a ride, what a life! The fullness of wonder and awe and grace and truth. The world rejects you, and hates those who love you, but how could I not love you? You invite me to follow you. You choose me! Me! I have nothing to offer, yet you give me your all.
I say yes to whatever and am ready for follow what comes. I am sure of what I can be sure in, your love, your riches in eternity, my home in your Kingdom. With your Spirit at home in my heart, I will share in the sufferings of your Son, Jesus Christ. May I hold on tight, always keeping my eyes on Your Son and the future glory.
Amen
