Nobody said it will be easy

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Matthew 8:20

You’ve seen these.

He came in late or his flight was delayed. He had to spend the night at the airport. Nowhere to go, he has to spend somewhere near the boarding gate or at the most comfortable place where he can rest – airport chair. When the dark hits the sky, his eyelids begin to fall. His head searches for the best fitting curve at the curve of the chair made of steel and plastic. He can also settle at the corner of the dim lighted room to keep his head from falling. Though his head does not really feel the comfort unlike kissing his pillow, his head rest at least for some time.

She was caught in the traffic thus she did not catch the bus. It was a holiday so people flocked the ticket booths. She had to settle to wait for an overnight at the station in order to ride the first trip. Her back looks for the bench. Her head bends down towards the top of this hardwood chair. During the day, these are for sitting. At this certain night, these would be the best bed she can have to rest her head. Hard not soft yet her head finds comfort even for this time.

That is comfort. That is rest.

Jesus’ disciples know none of these. Jesus admonished his would be followers about this, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” No steel chair. No hardwood bench. No corner of the room. Nowhere to rest his head.

If you are not comfortable, you are in his company. If you are comfortable, check the distance between you and Jesus. Following him requires persistence and perseverance. There is no comfort zone in his presence, there are challenges to overcome. There is no worldly rest, only heavenly peace. There is no easy trail, only rough roads to conquer.

If you get tired, be strengthened by his grace. If you get disappointed, be enlightened by his wisdom. Just fix your eyes on him. Follow him, no matter what. Serve him, whatever the cost. Love him, above all else.

You need to do that.

Jesus did not say it will be easy.

Nobody said it will be easy.