Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:38 (NIV)
The World’s or Jesus’ Yes
The smiling bride-to-be held a dress bag and a sign that read, “I said yes to the dress.” She had shopped and tried on wedding dresses until she found the perfect one — the dress of her dreams. Her picture proclaimed to the world she chose the best.
Jesus taught and lived the importance of saying yes to the best, and He was not referring to clothing or a social event. He lived the perfect life, shared God’s perfect love, and offered his perfect salvation. Yet many misunderstood. They wanted Jesus to meet their less-than-the-best expectations.
While in Capernaum, Jesus taught in the synagogue, cast out demons, and healed the sick. When he withdrew to pray the next morning, Simon and others searched for him. Although they expected Jesus to continue his ministry there, Jesus announced his plan to move on. He came not for one group of people but for all. Others needed to hear his message and have an opportunity to give their lives to him.
Say Yes to the Best
As Jesus’ followers, we cannot say yes to every opportunity we encounter. Rather, we do well to follow his example, draw away for prayer, and seek God’s plan for our lives.
Daily we choose between our personal agendas or God’s perfect plan that leads to eternal joy.
Father God, grant us your perfect guidance in order to always say yes to your best.
I love this. such inspiring words. Also, a reminder that we are to follow the example Jesus walked before us, and in order to follow God’s plan, we don’t have to say yes to the things of the world. Those things take our focus off of Him.
Thank you, Judy. The focus of our lives makes all the difference. Blessings.