Good Sunday Morning,
Anyone thinking about traveling? Anyone recently catch themselves singing with Willie . . . “On the road again; I just can't wait to get on the road again”? or, for those of you that are a product of the 60’s, perhaps your version of that song came from Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson and Bob “The Bear” Hite.
I know that some of you have resumed traveling, but many of us have not – yet. So, when do you plan to travel next? and yes, I am talking about actually getting out there, you know, getting away from home . . . perhaps even getting east of the Mississippi?
What do you think? Are you ready? Almost, maybe? . . . oh, wait a minute, sorry, that’s a different song.
OK, so assuming that you got your vaccine, the one tip that I would give you when you do decide to travel, is don't go alone. Obviously, traveling with a companion (be they friend, family, or co-worker) is probably what you are already planning; however, since it is Sunday morning and I need to earn my keep, I am referring to taking God with you on your journey . . . and you certainly would not be the first.
Perhaps the greatest traveler referenced in the Bible was Paul. Over a period of some ten years in the middle of the first century, St. Paul made at least three[1] great journeys.
The Book of Acts records these missionary journeys; it is estimated that he traveled more than 10,000 miles. Obviously, Paul was God's chosen voice to spread the gospel. Through his travels, and his teaching of the Gospel, we learned about mission trips and we also learned something else from Paul . . . he gave us an understanding of how to persevere through difficulties that are certain to arise.
Paul’s secret . . . when he traveled, he was never alone. Paul knew this and told the people (in Romans 15:29) that he was going to visit, to be confident, because when he ventured out and met up with them “Christ will richly bless our time together.” He knew that God was with him.
So as it was with Paul, so too will it be for you if you invite God to be with you when you travel.
We can be reassured of this from the Psalms. In particular, the verses of “the Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore” Psalm 121:8; “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9; and “then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.” Proverbs 3:23
So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, relax . . . and when you are ready, venture out with the confidence that you will not be traveling alone . . . and then take solace in knowing that the Lord has made this day; may you rejoice and be glad in it.
Jeff Bergstrom
P.S. Don’t forget your support for CLC, the community, and the world by clicking here – Give | Christ Lutheran Church (ccbchurch.com)
P.P.S. Whether your travels are distant, more local, or virtual, remember the advice of our friend Rodney, “if you're going through hell keep on going; don't slow down; you might get out before the devil even knows you're there.”
[1] OK, some may suggest that Paul took a 4th trip to Rome, but that really is not as important as the fact that this is my first footnote in a Good Sunday Morning message.
