Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“So, when I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will set out by way of you to Spain; and I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, June 3, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I wonder what would’ve happened if Paul had had access to the internet. I don’t necessarily think it would’ve been a good thing, per se. But I raise the question simply to highlight the frankly astonishing things Paul accomplished in a time when he had to walk hundreds of miles to plant churches and could communicate with them only through letters carried by friends who walked hundreds of miles to deliver and interpret them. A quick internet search just now told me that Paul traveled a total of more than 10,000 miles—on foot—throughout his journeys. At my pathetic rate of walking maybe an average of 2 miles a day, that would take me almost 14 years. Keep in mind that between all that walking, the guy spent a fair amount of time building up new churches and/or sitting in prison.
So I guess I’m just wondering to myself: how far would I go/have I gone to live out my faith? Literally or metaphorically speaking. There’s simply no way I could measure up to Paul, of course. But I can point to the distances I’ve traveled to learn more, to teach kids, direct plays, lead Vacation Bible School programs, write devotions, publish church resources… Actually I just surprised myself making that list. I’m doing more than I think I am. Of course, it’s a lot easier for me. I have a car. And the internet.
Where and how do I journey to live out my faith?
![Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 [4:1-11], Jonah and God’s Mercy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56b39b61ab48de92d991a40a/6bbb490e-4992-4659-a8be-02d8397d68af/24-11-10.jpg)
