Are You A Good Follower?
Good Morning Friends,
There is a lot written on leadership but if what Jesus says is true we should really have more books on being good followers…good servants. As I contemplate the role of being a follower I am reminded that the people who followed Moses and the people who followed Jesus lived on leftovers of God’s provision and abundance. We see the Hebrews in the desert in conflict over what they perceive as their own interests and what God demands in obedience. We see the crowds following Jesus to get their next meal. There is a lot of advice in the Bible that we need to follow. Just turn to Proverbs if you need a few examples. They can help us to learn how to follow at least until the next meal. Maybe there was a good reason that when Jesus knew he was going to die he did not give a sermon but a meal. Are You A Good Follower?
Scripture: When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’
John 6:5-12 (NRSV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 (NRSV)
Therefore walk in the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the just. For the upright will abide in the land, and the innocent will remain in it;
Proverbs 2:20-21 (NRSV)
Jesus . . . said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NIV)
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:24 (NRSV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11 (NIV)
Message: Jesus is worth following because God’s love is living and active through Him. We should follow Jesus as though he died yesterday, rose from the grave today and is coming back tomorrow. But there is a problem. We would like Jesus to follow us. Sure God has promised that He would be with us through the thick and thin of life but God choose us first. It is God that has offered the invitation. So understand that we are not the leaders. God already knows what is best and he does not need our counsel regarding what we think is suitable. Our job is one of obedience in taking God’s advice not offering it. And in unashamed and unconditional obedience we discover that He is the gate though which we must walk. He is the direction we must follow. Jesus is the path of truth for those who seek God. And if we follow Him we may indeed find joy, but please understand that the journey is more about building our character than it is about our comfort. We are to acknowledge Him in all ways. So friends, this Lent follow the footsteps of Christ and trust they will be a light unto our path. The Israelites followed the Shekinah glory cloud but we are to follow the light of the world. We are to shine a light so others can see the path. We are to follow the Good Shepherd.
Pray that we would be willing to follow Jesus to become spiritually mature. Pray we connect with the reality that His lead strengthens us. Pray we be smart sheep and follow the way of the Good Shepherd. Pray we realize that there is a skill in living but also a skill of following God’s design. Pray we follow Jesus’ lead of grace. Pray we rise up and follow love. Pray we realize that followers of Christ become children of God. Pray that we hear His voice and follow.
Pray that we have enough sense to choose the greater possibilities in lives that seek and follow His plan. Pray that we stand in the tradition of following the Word. Pray we open our eyes to all the wonderful things in God’s word…to receive mercy…to receive blessings… to provide for Christian ministry…to turn away evil…to follow Jesus. Pray that we follow Jesus on paths of righteousness. Pray we realize it is a privilege to be a follower of the Way. Pray we follow Him with all our hearts, minds and souls. Pray that even though we are a faltering, bumbling community of followers, we also are a visible community that represents Him to the world…not as a glory cloud, or as Man subject to death but as His creative breath…as a Spirit melding together in His new Body…no longer fearful of intimacy… or the shared presence of Him in us…no longer fearful of being united to Him and to each other. Pray we follow Him now in this life, understanding that when we die, our souls will continue to follow Jesus into God’s presence. Pray we see more clearly…love more dearly…follow Jesus more nearly day by day. Pray we realize how much light, freedom and hope exists when we follow Jesus.
Pray that we experience God’s provision. Pray that we experience God’s abundance… Pray that we experience the Sabbath as a feast not a fast. Pray that we help feed those who hunger on the journey. Pray we move in the midst of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 