On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?" So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.   Mark 14:12-16

Well, that went smoothly! When is the last time you tried to book a room on a holiday weekend? Or pick up a lamb the afternoon before Passover? Hah! Yet, Peter and John go trotting off to the city with its holiday crowds and have no difficulty in finding the man with the water, or anything else they needed to pick up last minute for the Passover meal. It is as if Jesus phoned in a detailed reservation in advance. They "found everything as He had told them."" Not only does Jesus tells it like it is, but tells it as it will be, down to every last detail.

When Jesus has something for us to do, we can pretty much count on finding what we need to get it done. How often we focus on the obstacles (both real and perceived) in our path, instead of placing those details in God's hands! And let's face it, sometimes we're just not good listeners, even when someone is standing right in front of us, so how are we ever to hear Jesus dispatch us? Time and again, especially when planning a major event for work, or for church, I've had the experience of praying about it and waiting, walking alone and listening. No, I can't tell you I heard a voice, but, I began to have a clearer understanding of what to do, or where I was to do it, and a vision began to take shape and grow. Details seemed to fall into place as I enrolled others in the vision, and gained their support. I can relate to Peter and John's assumed amazement when they "found everything as he had told them". Also, like Peter and John, I'm learning.

Dear Lord,
Peter and John's faithful obedience was rewarded by witnessing the fulfillment of your word. Sometimes, your directions are not so clearly heard by us, and we get caught up in worry and fear, which takes us off course. Make us better listeners and help us to go where you send us without questioning, with a "just do it" attitude, always led by faith. Amen.