“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!”
Luke 12:49-50
Jesus begins a lesson with a statement that indicates His desire to spread God’s truth, but also shows His obedience to God’s will. Jesus was excited about what was to come, but He knew God had a plan for how it was to take place. Jesus understood that doing what God intended was essential for the world to be saved.
I remember when I was younger I attempted to assemble several model cars and planes. I’ll admit I was not very good at it because I was impatient to get them done and often ignored the instructions, thinking “I know what it’s supposed to look like, I can just put it together myself!” The results were never what they should have been and I was frustrated by the wasted effort.
This is what Jesus is experiencing and sharing with us in this lesson. He knows what God’s plan is supposed to look like and He is anxious for it to come to pass. However, He also knows that without following God’s instructions, the results will not be what was intended. Even if we have good intentions, it is necessary to listen carefully to God and not press ahead with our own plan.
Heavenly Father, we know You bless our actions when we are doing Your will. Help us to hear and understand so that we do not wander off on our own. Keep us in Your love and care today and always. Amen.