Jesus being Jesus

We are going through a lot right now- as a nation, as a people, as families, as friends. This pandemic is affecting multiple areas of our lives and I think by now we are all carrying heavy loads in our hearts and in our minds. If we ever needed to focus more on the Holy Week and in the glorious hope of the resurrection, it’s now!  One thing that I have personally found to be so encouraging is reading the account of Jesus’ life from Palm Sunday to Good Friday (John 12-19). In the midst of reading through these passages, there is one thing that stands out so vividly to me: Jesus kept being Jesus.

Though he was deeply grieved and disturbed in his spirit, he kept moving forward in his final days for he had a mission to accomplish that not even death could stop. With his words of infinite wisdom- he preached. (John 12:20-50) In the washing of his disciples’ feet- he served. (John 13:1-17) With the words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,”- he comforted. (John 14:1) In promising the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come upon them- he strengthened. (John 14:15-31) During his last conversation with God before being arrested- he prayed. (John 17:1-26) On his long and painful journey up to Golgotha- a crown of thorns on his head, deep lashes covering his entire body- he loved. (John 19:1-27) For you, and for me- he died. (John 19:28-37)

Day after day, up until his final breath, he proved to be true to his nature; for he was God in flesh and could be no less.

My prayer for us during this time of unease and uncertainty is that we would follow Jesus’ example of simply going about our days, accomplishing the work that is to be done. Author Emily P. Freeman calls this doing “the next right thing.” And honestly, what else can we do during this time?

Currently, the next right thing for me looks like grounding myself in Scripture when I feel like going under in anxiety, listening to excellent music and podcasts to keep my mind focused on beauty and truth, teaching our son during daily homeschooling time, making deliveries to our customers as a way of keeping our farm business afloat amidst social distancing, loving my husband well by giving spontaneous hugs and words of encouragement, cooking, cleaning, and ending the day with an evening viewing of The Magic School Bus, reading, and praying with the little boy who holds my heart in his hand. 

I don’t know what “the next right thing” looks like for you, but I do know that as Christians we all share common mandates- of love, of service, of encouragement, of prayer. We will make it to the other side of this thing- one day, one kind act, one leap of faith at a time. Until then, let us continue to be the people of whom God has called- Christians being Christians, that in turn the world may see Jesus being Jesus.

Abide in Him Always,

Ashley