Shaking off the dust

Have you ever taken your pillows or an old blanket and gone out outside and just given them a good shake? The dust comes flying off and out into the air and they are cleansed.

Jesus tells his disciples in Mark that if people won't listen to them when they tell the words of the Gospel, then to shake the dust off their feet and walk away. Walk away from those who refuse to listen to the life way that the Gospel brings to us. I remember those days of preaching the gospel and seeing those that responded and those that didn't. I think of Martin Luther who tried to get the "powers that be" to listen to him, but they didn't. People have to want to change. They have to have a teachable spirit within them in order for them to listen. Many want it like Nicodemus did, but they come to Jesus in the dark of night. And when they hear what is required, they walk away. People have to shake the dust out of their lives, they have to have their spirit cleansed, they have to give up old habits and old ways, and many never want to do that. For they think life is great just the way it is. They miss out on what Jesus has to offer. They miss out on great adventures. They miss out on feeling that unconditional love that God offers us every moment of our lives. They miss out on relying and having God right there when they are going though the ordeals of life.

So do you know what you are missing? Do you feel the unconditional love of God? Do you want that? If so, give your life a good shake, and watch the dust fly out and let Christ come in and feel the cleansing love of God.