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I waited patiently for the Lord
and He heard my cry.
He also brought me up
out of a horrible pit and miry clay,
and set my feet upon a rock,
and established my steps.
The steps of a good man
are ordered by the Lord,
and He delights in his way.
(Psalm 37:23, 40:1-2)
I recently had opportunities to do something I love -- walking in the snow. As I made a lot of footprints in the snow, I pondered and pictured the following journey of footprints as I walked. :)
JOHN THE BAPTIST
The first set of footprints are from the bare feet of John the Baptist ushering in Jesus as "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" The footprints of Jesus join John's footprints into the Jordan River where Jesus is baptized to identify with each of us.
THE DISCIPLES
There is one set of footprints following this baptism -- footprints of Jesus who is all alone in the wilderness to identify with us in being tempted just as we are tempted.
Then gradually, 12 sets of footprints of the disciples join Jesus' footprints. All of these footprints are close to each other every day for 3 years -- a collage walking toward the climax of history!
At the end of these 3 years, there are the footprints of a donkey that carry Jesus the Lamb to the Passover celebration. Soon, the 12 sets of footprints of the disciples are now uniquely made by feet washed by Jesus Himself! Then...one set of these footprints wander off. These are the footprints of a traitor -- Judas.
THE CROSS
The other 11 sets of footprints ultimately wander off, too. Only the footprints of Jesus go straight to the cross. All alone. Not forced. Each footprint made by a willing step and imprinted with love.
Then all of sudden, the footprints of Simon of Cyrene come alongside the footprints of Jesus. His footprints are a testimony of our greatest purpose -- taking up our cross and following Jesus.
Now there are no footprints. Jesus is lifted up, His feet nailed to the cross. His nail-pierced feet bruise the head of the serpent.
THE TOMB
The footprints of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are made on the way to the cross where Jesus died. It is amazing to see these footprints because these two men previously cowered in fear of persecution as they sought Jesus. However, they are now willing to make footprints in the open as they embrace the lifeless body of Jesus and carry it in a casket made of linens to an unused tomb.
There are many various footprints around the tomb for 3 days. However, there is one set of footprints never made around that tomb -- the footprints of Jesus! He is risen!
MY PERSONAL CROSS
I see a familiar set of footprints walking toward the cross of Christ -- my footprints! My footprints are made as God the Father draws me through God the Spirit to God the Son lifted on the cross. At the cross, I look up to Christ my Savior and know that am totally accepted by Him. I become betrothed to Him -- united with Him forever! See my 2007 newsletter link: Marriage at the cross
The cross and the tomb are empty now. However, there is only one set of footprints from the cross -- my footprints. Did Jesus save me and now I'm on my own with His periodic help? No! I am united with Christ! My footprints are His footprints!
Sometimes there are two sets of footprints. These are times when I walk along side a friend as he or she is drawn toward their personal cross to be one with Christ.
These are also times when a friend comes alongside me to remind me of my heritage through the cross and to encourage me to continue stepping by faith in Christ in me, not by feelings stirred by circumstances. Willing steps. Steps imprinted with love.
CLOSING
I am humbled to witness all of the footprints into this Rest Stop. May we stand together in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!
ps, Joy and I finally put Christmas lights up -- on a cedar tree in our yard in mid-January! This tree was beautiful in the recent snow!
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