The recent hurricanes (Helene, Milton) have given me perspective on how we should never take for granted the blessings we have in relation to having our basic needs met! You do not have to search very long to see the death, destruction, and devastation of “back to back” hurricanes in seemingly the same geographical location. Personally, beyond being displaced for a couple of months with my family due to a house fire in 2007, I cannot relate to everyone impacted by Helene and Milton and what they going through both short & long term. I cannot connect with what those folks are dealing with. My family’s challenge several years ago inconvenienced us for a little while, but is a distant memory now. I have no idea what it is like to literally pick up the pieces from two storms of the magnitude we have seen on the news.
Of course in Luke 9:57-62, we know this section of Scripture is Jesus making the case for the “cost of discipleship.” But, the verses points us as to how Jesus can relate to being “displaced” and not having a place to call “home”” like we think about. Luke records these words from this passage: As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, ““Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” As Christians, followers of Christ, Jesus is teaching us that we are to follow Him even in the face of not having physical needs met and regardless of what is happening in our lives. One Bible scholar makes this observation about this section of Scripture, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head is Jesus’ challenge to a would-be follower, reminding him that the path of following Jesus is not easy and comfortable, ultimately Jesus is not at home in this world.”” We appreciate a place to call ours such as a residence. However, we must remember this place is really not our home. My father-in-law recently commented, “All we are going to do is eat and sleep in this world.” Implying that we should not get comfortable and plan to stay forever.
Hurricane Season, Tornado Season, or the seasons of life teach us that life is brief, James 4:14. Additionally, these weather events also teach us to use our time wisely when it comes to our walk with Christ and teaching others about Christ, Ephesians 5:15-16, Matthew 28:16-20. Seeing others have these difficult times prompts us to have empathy and help others, Galatians 6:9, while realizing God is powerful, Genesis 1:1, Acts 2:2.
For years to come, many people will literally pick up the pieces from past hurricanes, and pick up the pieces from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many will be homeless for a while as a result of these tragic storms.In some ways, as pilgrims traveling through, we are homeless for a little while. But, if we are obedient to Christ, we will dwell with Him forever. Being “in Christ,” requires our obedience to the Plan of Salvation, being baptized for the remission of sins, and remaining faithful (Romans 6).
John 14:1-7 says: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. ”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”” May we continue to help others physically and spiritually. But, more importantly, may we focus on where we are going when the storms of life have ended.
