Keep Moving

by Pastor Chris Kumpula - December 9th, 2023

“Pack up your bags.” Few phrases underline the mobility of life. I’ve moved a lot, and the jobs I’ve had usually involved irregularity and travel. Our ten years of marriage have been an endless stream of change and transition. Maybe it’s part of the pattern of modern nomadic life, or maybe the ancient road of life in God’s will.

When Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, it was inconvenient timing. To travel as Mary was pregnant was doubtless stressful. And then there was no accommodation for them in the inns. After staying in a stable, they traveled again to Egypt, then Galilee, and finally to Nazareth. They packed their bags and kept moving.

God sometimes keeps us on the move too. He doesn’t move us to what’s easiest or preferable. He doesn’t necessarily move us along a predictable route. He moves us in His will when we set aside personal convenience. Whatever we’re lugging around, He desires to move us ever further towards home– accepting the baggage gets lost.

Pack Light

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) I understand the desire to settle in and get comfortable where we are in our new community with our new church family. Coasting in a spiritual hammock sounds lovely. But this world is not our home. We need rest. We need home. But we need Jesus most of all. And so does our neighbor.

We all should await the coming of our Lord expectantly, knowing that when He suddenly appears, He won’t be saying “pack your bags.” He’ll simply say “come home, and bring a friend.” May God shape our hearts to never tire of moving along the winding way, knowing the path to Christ is straight and certain.

“And a highway shall be there,

and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;

the unclean shall not pass over it.

It shall belong to those who walk on the way;

even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.

…

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain gladness and joy,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

(Isaiah 35:8,10)

Maybe you’re traveling with luggage you can give to Jesus. Maybe you’re frustrated at the detours Jesus takes you on. Maybe you’re done with the delays Jesus uses to shape the traveler. Maybe you’re off the road content to enjoy the scenery. Whatever the case, get moving, keep moving, and leave the heavy stuff to the Lord.

Thank you for the shroud of prayer over our family as we see Zachary through surgery for his heart. Even though we tire of the wandering, we recall together with you “this world is not our home.”

On the way to Zion,

Pastor Chris