Chapel – 4/8/20
“What a beee-autiful day for a walk!” With everyone sheltered in place for the time being, how tempting is it to go for a walk on a gorgeous spring day, right? The good news is that even the health authorities are encouraging us (if healthy) to get outside and do some physical activity like walking…just give each other some space!
The truth of the matter is that we’ve had people telling us “to go for a walk” all of our lives. I’m guessing our parents, teachers, coaches, family, and friends have been concerned for our spiritual health since the day we arrived in this world. These same people have been encouraging another kind of walk–our walk with Christ.
Walking is great exercise for young and old alike. We take one step at a time. Some walk slower than others; some walk quickly. Some take a direct path to their destination; others take a more meandering route. Some people even walk backwards at times. Mankind has been walking with God since creation. Adam and Eve thought they could hide from God when He was taking His walk in the Garden of Eden way back when. (Gen. 3:8). Scriptures tell us that Noah “walked with God.” (Gen. 6:9) Joshua was encouraged to love God and walk in His ways. (Joshua 22:5) Check out Micah 6:8 for homework!
Perhaps some of the people that really care for us have even asked us this question, “How is your walk with Jesus going?” In these days of home confinement, it would seem we don’t have much of an opportunity to work on our “walk with Christ,” but not true. Perhaps your “walk” needs a little more prayer and quiet time with Jesus. Maybe there is a Bible that hasn’t been opened since confirmation that is waiting to be explored. Or maybe it’s a relationship that needs mending because our “walk” with certain people has hit a rough spot. Perhaps we have an opportunity to use this time to help and encourage someone who really needs it…to help them in their walk.
These same people that really care for us would probably encourage us to walk with purpose and direction rather than wandering about aimlessly all the while resisting the temptation to walk backwards. People that love us are willing to walk with us on this journey. We’re not in this alone. Most importantly, our Lord Jesus walked this world over 2000 years ago and secured our salvation by His death and resurrection. His walk was not easy, and perhaps ours will not be easy, either. But this is what we are called to do: This command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ (Jeremiah 7:23) So let’s get out there and start walking again, even if we’ve been “sitting around” for a while!
Song: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” This song has its roots in the post-Civil War era but was not officially recorded until 1941. Perhaps you’ve heard it. It’s played and sung quite often. It’s been recorded by many people from Little Richard to Elvis to the Veggie Tales. The link below is my favorite version. I love the harmonies. Sunglasses required, apparently!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus–Thank You for taking that “walk” years ago so we can see how it should look in our lives. Let my walk with you be strengthened by Your presence each day. Help me to be an encouragement to others that might need some help in their walk. In Your precious name we pray. Amen
Contributed by: Mr. Kurt Hofmeister (current baseball coach, former religion teacher/Athletic Director/Dean of Students)