Outside my comfort zone

Hebrews 13:¹⁰We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. ¹¹For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. ¹²So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. ¹³Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. ¹⁴For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. ¹⁵ Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. ¹⁶Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Only last night at Bible study did I learn that Jesus was taken outside the city to be crucified. My husband was talking about John 19 and he described how in the Levitical law, it was not lawful to kill within the camp or city. Here, Paul talks about how we must pursue Jesus outside our camp. It will be uncomfortable for us, but we must seek God outside of what we know and are comfortable with. Besides, as Christians we no longer belong to a city here on earth, but rather we belong to a city that is to come when Jesus comes again. Our altar is Jesus and what we bring to sacrifice is praise to Him. We don't just praise Jesus with our words, but also with doing good and sharing what we have.

Am I pursuing Jesus outside what is comfortable for me? Or am I staying in my little camp? My women's bible study just started this series called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I sense that God is really going to stretch me this season. I suppose that I am just a comfortable Christian. I don't go out of my way to be Jesus to people. I think God is answering my prayer to be more Christ-like. I don't want to just be a good person, I want to be a follower of Christ. This means that I have to take risks and give all that I have to Him. I need to learn and apply the meaning of "Let go and let God."

Heavenly Father, Creator of everything, King of Kings and almighty God, I humbly come before Your throne in prayer. May I know exactly who I am speaking to before I present this request. Lord, I repent from being a comfortable convert. Please show me how to truly follow Jesus Christ. Father, I thank You for the grace You have extended to me. Help me to share this grace with others so that they may know Jesus and receive Your salvation. Lord. please reveal to me Your full identity and holiness so that I may truly understand how to sacrifice praise and good works to You. Help me to step out of my "little camp." I love You, Lord. I pray this in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, Amen.