Y - You

The final letter in JOURNEY is obviously Y. The Y stands for you. This letter stands as far from the J as possible, which is appropriate since YOU (and me) are as far from Jesus as possible, apart from the grace of God.

Each one of us is on a journey. Some have long traveled the road with Jesus. Others are just getting started. Still others may not know a journey exists, or perhaps have chosen a journey separate from God. Regardless, we are all on some sort of journey. However, the Christian JOURNEY insists that we listen to Jesus' words of "Follow Me".

That's what this first series of the blog has been about - a brief introduction to the various responsibilities we, as the Church, have in following Jesus. Each of the letters obviously have a great deal to further explore, but again, this brief series can serve as a starting point. Each of us is to be, and make disciples (O-bserve). We are all to be in fellowship (U-nity). We must worship God (R-evere). We are called to minister to others (N-urture). And we must evangelize (E-voke). Though these letters may not represent a true sequence, they are all necessary as we respond in faith to bring Y-ou and J-esus closer together.

The living out of the JOURNEY day by day is one part of the equation. But making sure you have chosen the right path for the JOURNEY is the critical first step. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14.6) He is the way. We can't come except by the way He had made. These terms reflect travel language - like that of a journey.

That is the ultimate question here. This isn't hypothetical. When talking to His disciples in Matthew 16, Jesus asked them what the general sentiment of the people were about Him. But then He got personal. He asked them, "Who do you say that I am?"

These were His closest followers. His closest friends. They had spent a great deal of time with Him. They had seen Jesus do countless miracles. They had witnessed Jesus challenge the conventional religion of the day. Jesus knew these men and women had chosen to follow Him, but now wanted to get to their intentions. What was their purpose in being there? What was their purpose in being with Him? What were their expectations? Thus, His question, "Who do you say that I am?

Is Jesus asking the same question of YOU?

Sure, the articles in this series may sound reasonable in their usage. It is easier to consider when you don't have to be personal with it. Of course, you may agree with my usage of these letters or you may not. That question may have relevance, but it isn't the most important.

What is important is what YOU decide to do with Jesus.

Will YOU follow Jesus and embark on the JOURNEY He has for YOU?

Or will YOU turn and go down a path separate from Him?

Whom do you say Jesus is?