Not the Same Ole Story
Posted on January 5, 2017 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.” – Matthew 2:12
Each year I find myself thinking “same ole story” when it comes to the Christmas account in the Gospels. Thinking about how I’m one of those guys that always likes to find a new route when driving home, which makes my wife crazy, I drew a comparison to the verses in Matthew and my annoying change of route home. It reminded me of a principle used by the Wise men after coming to Jesus.
Although there may not be anything spiritual about going home a different way, the story of the Wise men visiting Jesus reminded me that when we accept Christ into our lives, the way we walk away shouldn’t be the same way we came.
This simple act of the Wise men spoke to me about my life in Christ. It is not the “same ole story” and I can’t go back the ‘same ole way.’ Once I’ve gazed upon the Lord my life has to take a different path. I can now take Paul’s admonition “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25. The previous verses tell us we should have the fruit of the Spirit. The verses before that describe the works of the flesh. If we have come from the flesh, in a sense we need to walk a different way that lines up with the fruit of the Spirit that God provides for us and works in us.
Too many times I see believers return to the same way as they lived before Christ, denying the power that is given to us to walk in a newness of life. The Wise men were sensitive to the Spirit of God that warned them to return home a different way. I need to realize that when I act in the flesh, in order to walk in the Spirit I need to turn away and walk in a different direction.
It seems whenever I spend time in God’s Word I walk a different way, the way of the Master. So if you’ve traveled the wrong road don’t go back the same way. Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
Daily Quote: “Give up the struggle and the fight; relax in the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus; look up into His lovely face and as you behold Him, He will transform you into His likeness. You do the beholding–He does the transforming. There is no short-cut to holiness.” – Alan Redpath
The Daily Bible Reading: Job 1-2 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” Psalm 40:16
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Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
