I like to walk and hike for exercise. If I go to the track to walk, I only cover ground that is level. However, if I hike the woods or local park, I am forced to climb hills. Sometimes I even chose the path of most resistance, traversing the steepest inclines on the route. I do this for the physical benefit of the exertion. Other times those same inclines just defeat my mind and I chose the path of least difficulty, the most level way.
When Jesus fed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, He departed and went up on the mountain to pray. The men who had seen Him perform the miracle wanted to take Him by force to make Him king. Therefore He departed to the mountain to avoid them. (John 6:15) Why didn’t they follow Him up the mountain? Some of them followed Him the next day in boats to find Him on the other side of the sea.
Climbing mountains is always difficult. In their case they had a full stomach and that makes exertion even more difficult. Furthermore, they were mainly interested in the food and they had satisfied that need. Climbing the mountain to follow Him at this point would take effort and really wasn’t necessary for their immediate need.
What about you? How much effort are you willing to exert to follow Jesus? Are you like me, so often tempted to take the path of least resistance? Isn’t it easy to forgo your quiet time when things become hectic and busy? When was the last time that you had a quality time relating to Him through His word? When was the last time you meditated on His word? Are you being conformed to the image of His Son? The level ground is easy to traverse. The mountain can be tough to climb unless you are regularly exercising on those hills and inclines.
Being devoted to Jesus requires effort on our part. The apostle Paul wrote, …”I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Phil 3:12) Are you pressing on? Are you willing to follow wherever He may lead? Are you willing to climb after Him up the mountain even when all your needs are met?