“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Luke 10:20, LSB
We like to become caught up in saying what we should do or, even worse, what we must do, but Jesus taught more of an “if you” faith. As we look through the Old Testament and into the New, we find that to be true as God often told His chosen the “ifs” more than the “musts.” It is easier to dictate to others than to teach them to follow. This is why we, as followers, are often described as sheep. Sheep aren’t easily told. If you try to force a sheep, they will push away. God wants us to trust Him and follow the ways in which He leads, but He never forces us onto His paths. We are called to Him, and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we are created to trust Him. As followers of Christ, we don’t dictate to others what must be done, but we point them to what has been done for us all and guide others to listen to the voice of Christ. This is what we, as disciples, do. We disciple. It’s not about gaining control but living in the realization of what God has done for us and celebrating that by telling others about this gift. Not lording over others, but walking alongside them and listening to the voice of God calling us to Himself.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.