We all stand at a threshold at some point in our lives. You know the moment I’m talking about. It’s that heart-pounding, pulse-racing, soul-stirring moment when you find yourself on the edge of something big, something significant, something life-changing.
It’s that line between the familiar and the unknown. On one side, there’s comfort, safety, predictability. It’s the world as you know it, the life you’ve always lived. It’s your normal.
But then, on the other side, there’s something else, something that tugs at your heart, something that whispers to your soul. It’s the unknown, the adventurous, the extraordinary. It’s a calling, a dream, a destiny. It’s your future.
This threshold is not just a physical place; it’s a spiritual space. It’s a choice, a decision that holds within it the very essence of our life’s purpose and destiny. It’s a doorway to a new beginning, a gateway to a new journey, a portal to a new life.
Remember Sam Gamgee from “The Lord of the Rings”? There he was, on the edge of the Shire, venturing farther than he had ever been. “If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.” It was more than just a geographical boundary; it was a psychological barrier, an emotional hurdle, a spiritual frontier.
And then there was Jesus, at the Jordan River, about to be baptized, about to begin His ministry, about to step into His destiny. It wasn’t just a religious ritual; it was a divine moment, a cosmic threshold, a holy adventure.
And here’s the thing: We all face these thresholds. Maybe it’s a new job, a new relationship, a new challenge. Maybe it’s a new understanding, a new perspective, a new direction. Maybe it’s a new you.
The question is, will you cross it? Will you take the step? Will you embrace the adventure? Will you seize the destiny? Will you live the life?
It won’t be easy. Thresholds can be scary, intimidating, daunting. But they can also be exciting, exhilarating, empowering.
So, take a deep breath. Take a good look. Take a bold step. For in crossing the threshold, you’re not just changing your location; you’re transforming your life.
And remember, you’re not alone. You have a Guide, a Companion, a Friend in Jesus. He knows the way. He’s been there before. He’s with you now.
Jesus at the Threshold
I want you to picture the Jordan River. The sun is glinting off the water. There's a crowd gathered on the banks, murmuring in anticipation. There's John the Baptist, wild-eyed, passionate, immersed in his mission. And there, stepping to the water's edge, is Jesus.
It's a threshold moment.
His feet are still on dry land, but He's about to wade into the current. It's a literal and symbolic line between His past life and His divine mission. As He stands there, ready to be baptized, there's a choice in front of Him. It's a choice to leave behind the carpenter's shop, to step out of the shadows of Nazareth, to embark on a journey that would forever change the world.
Imagine that moment. The water's edge. The expectant crowd. The knowing look in John the Baptist's eyes. Can you see it? Can you feel it? This is not just a moment in history; it's a moment in eternity.
Jesus knew what was at stake. He knew that crossing this threshold meant stepping into His calling, embracing His destiny, fulfilling His purpose. He knew it wouldn't be easy. He knew it would demand everything of Him. It would mean facing rejection, embracing suffering, defying expectations, confronting evil. It would mean the cross. Yet, He chose to step.
Why?
Because He understood something profound. He understood that the threshold is not just about leaving something behind; it's about stepping into something more. It's about embracing the adventure, the mission, the purpose that gives life its meaning and its essence.
He knew that the Jordan River was not just a place of baptism; it was a gateway to destiny. He knew that the water was not just a symbol of cleansing; it was a sign of commitment. He knew that the step was not just a physical act; it was a spiritual pledge.
He knew that the threshold was not just a transition; it was a transformation. It was a turning point, a tipping point, a point of no return.
Your Threshold
So, what about you? Where's your threshold? What's your Shire that you need to leave behind? What's your Jordan River that you need to cross? What's your adventure, your mission, your purpose that's calling you forth?
Here's the truth: We all face these moments. We all stand at these lines. We all hear these calls. The question is, will we step? Will we cross? Will we embrace the adventure that awaits?
Remember, it's almost guaranteed that you won't come back the same way you left. And that's the beauty of it. For in the stepping, in the crossing, in the embracing, we find ourselves, our true selves, our best selves.
A Dangerous Yet Rewarding Journey
But let me be clear. This isn't about a casual stroll down a well-trodden path. Following Jesus is an adventure, and like all true adventures, it comes with its share of dangers and challenges. When you make the decision to follow the ultimate hero, you are not merely signing up for comfort and ease; you are enlisting in a mission that will lead you into battles that may at times feel overwhelming.
This is not a journey for the faint of heart. Jesus Himself warned that to follow Him would mean taking up a cross, facing opposition, confronting our deepest fears and insecurities. It means standing up for justice, loving unconditionally, and sacrificing self for the greater good. It's about going to places you've never been, doing things you've never done, and becoming someone you've never been.
And yet, here's the beautiful paradox: In the very challenges and struggles of this journey, we find our true strength, our true joy, and our true purpose. The battles are not for our defeat but for our growth, our refinement, our transformation. They are designed for our good!
The Call to Follow
So, here's the invitation. It's more than a casual suggestion; it's a heartfelt plea, a soul-stirring call to action. Will you follow Jesus? Will you embark on this incredible journey? Will you embrace the adventure that is life with Him?
You don't have to have it all figured out. You don't have to be perfect. You don't even have to know what the next step looks like. All you need is a willing heart, an open mind, and a readiness to act.
If that's you, then simply say "yes." Yes to Jesus. Yes to the journey. Yes to the adventure. Yes to life in all its fullness and all its beauty.
Start where you are. Take a moment to reflect, to pray, to open your heart. Speak to Jesus like you would to a friend. Invite Him into your life. Ask Him to guide you, to strengthen you, to fill you with His love and His peace.
Remember, this isn't about religion; it's about relationship. It's about connecting with the one who created you, loves you, and has an extraordinary plan for your life.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to cross that threshold? Are you ready to step into the unknown, to embrace the dangers, to conquer the challenges, to live the adventure?
Jesus is waiting, arms open, smile wide, heart ready. All He needs is your "yes." All He wants is you.
Welcome to the journey of a lifetime. Welcome to the adventure of following Jesus. It's the best decision you'll ever make, and it starts right here, right now, with you.