Those who travel long distances by train or flight, wish to engage their time. Some like to sleep, others to read, some to watch movies, and even play chess or cards with co-passengers. On a nine-plus-hour flight from Atlanta to Rome, the in-flight entertainment was not working. The passengers were disturbed and had limited options. Those who brought books or downloaded movies on their smartphones could watch. Raw dogging is to sit idle, watching blank screens, pressing the reset buttons repeatedly, or gazing out of the window for the entire flight. One person recorded the plight of passengers and uploaded it to YouTube. (NDTV 22 July 2024) The Ethiopian Eunuch was wise to carry the scroll of Isaiah with him on his chariot ride from Jerusalem and was reading. As led by the Spirit of God, Philip joined, explained the passage, and was baptized. (Acts 8: 26-40)
Preparation for the journey: Life is a journey. If a person is not prepared for the life journey, he will be dismayed, disoriented, and distracted. Life is the gift of God that must be celebrated and understand the meaning and purpose of life. Each person should remember that God has sent them into this world. That implies that each person is born in the world with a purpose. Knowing God, discovering God’s purpose, discerning God’s will, and Doing His expectations give meaning to life.
Preparation during the journey: Disciples should understand that they are stewards. God has given them life, New Life, spiritual endowment with gifts, and revealed truth through the Bible. Hence, they ought to study the Scripture, be sensitive to the Spirit, and do His commandments. Sadly, many disciples are like troubled passengers, gazing through the window or watching a blank screen. Instead of using their talents, they bury like the one-talented man. (Matthew 25:14-30) Like the foolish virgins, they do not have oil for the lamp.
Preparation for destination: Disciples’ ultimate destination is Heaven, where the living God dwells. When the Lord is preparing a place for disciples, they ought to prepare to meet Him. (Amos 4:12)
Am I always prepared?