A Lonesome Road

Jesus told them, “A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child.” – Mark 6:4 (MSG)

Jesus had been all over the region performing miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons and relieving the demon-possessed, yet in Nazareth, His own hometown, He could do nothing. His own people could not benefit from His powerful ministry because they refused to believe that He was the promised Messiah. As a matter of fact, Mark 3:21 tells us that Jesus’ family thought He was crazy.

Can any of you relate?

Your spiritual journey can be a lonesome road. You’d imagine that your family would be your biggest supporters, they’d be your most zealous cheerleaders and encouragers but surprisingly it is those that are closest to you that turn out to be your most ardent critics. If there are people who do not believe in you, then you can be sure they are family members, friends and neighbours. Strangers will respond to you more readily than your own brothers, sisters, parents and other relatives – they’ll quickly see your spiritual calling and respect it but not those loved ones.

When someone came to Jesus to let Him know that His mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to Him, Jesus asked, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” After which, pointing to the circle of people seated around Him He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.” 

(see Mark 3:33-35).

Your loved ones know you only in the flesh, so it is difficult for them to see you any other way. “Who is this new person…this Bible studying Word processor? Isn’t she so-and-so’s daughter? Where’d she suddenly get all this spiritual talk from; all this wisdom and understanding?” That’s exactly what was said about Jesus in His hometown. 

You see everything that you may be subjected to on your spiritual journey, Jesus went through. Jesus lived it and even at the height of His ministry, His relatives and neighbours completely ignored Him and cut Him down verbally. The saying “Familiarity breeds contempt”, is never more apparent than when a person is called into ministry by God. 

For instance, look at David – not one of his brothers, or his father, believed that God had a great purpose for him to fulfill. In their eyes David was the least likely – the youngest, only good for tending sheep, ruddy and scrawny at best. Not even Samuel, who God sent, could ever imagine that this whisper of a boy was God’s choice, so flabbergasted was he that God had to tell him, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV). Moses, hiding out in Midian, stammering and unsure of himself was God’s choice. Gideon, did not believe in himself but God believed in him – God knew the person He’d created and chose Gideon and his army of a mere three hundred men to defeat a multitude.

So you see, it doesn’t matter whether or not the people you’re in this life with recognize you as God’s chosen vessel, all that really matters is that God has chosen you and you recognize yourself as such. Your job is to listen to God and not the endless chatter of those surrounding you. You must do what God has called you to do, despite what your family, friends, neighbours or relations say or think or believe. God knows you in spirit and only those that have been given eyes to see will see, others may never understand your calling. Obedience is thicker than blood (see Matthew 12:50).

Apostle Paul, in Galatians 1:10 encourages us to please God and not give into the pressure of men to do otherwise. Similarly, Solomon in his God-given wisdom, tells us that “The fear of man brings a snare, but whosoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be lifted up.” (Proverbs 29:25 JUB). If God has called you, then trust Him, you will be safe. The sting may be hurtful but do not stray from what you’ve been called to do and be.

There will be “noise”, expect it. There will be persecution in varying forms, expect that too. Expect the jeers, the taunts, the demands and commands, the hissy fits, expect the mockery, the spewing of Scripture verses taken out of context in an attempt to prove you wrong…expect it all! Every single person who’s called to the purpose of God has had to endure the same. Jesus Christ was not exempted, He endured the worst, so consider yourself in excellent company beloved. 

The psalmist wrote, 

“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set.” – Psalm 119:1-3 (MSG)

I pray that Almighty God will give you the wherewithal to endure the lonesome road, and that you will not be distracted from His call upon your life, that you will remain steadfast and when you’re feeling weak and defeated you will garner strength from Him, remembering always, that when you are weak He is strong. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen†

A Lonesome Road

Shelley Johnson June 7, 2017