Following
If someone serves me, let him follow me. John 12:26
We were fascinated this morning as we watched a shag and a pelican fishing for their breakfast in the lake. The shag, quite a small bird, was obviously the leader whether he meant to be or not. Wherever he swam, the pelican followed, dipping his head low as they zigzagged in and out under the jetty. When the shag disappeared under the water for a time the pelican watched to see where he would appear and would alter his course to continue following. The result for him was some good fishing. He obviously considered the shag to be worth following and he was well rewarded, so long as he continued to follow the shag’s lead.
To be a successful Christian we need to learn how to follow Jesus, our leader. Too often we can get caught up with following people and relying on them rather than developing a more personal relationship with our Lord. Because people are imperfect we may end up being disappointed and hurt if they don’t meet our expectations. It may even cause us to be disillusioned with Christianity because we were taking our lead from man rather than from Jesus.
Just going to church on Sunday does not make us good followers of Jesus either. It may make us good church attendees but we may not be growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s ways unless we are serious about pursuing and keeping our eyes on Jesus, our leader who said, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24).
If we say that Jesus is our leader then we need to follow him. That means knowing his instructions through reading the Bible and learning how to tune into the Spirit of God, our teacher, who will give us adjustments in our direction as we walk through life. “Your ears will hear a word behind you saying “this is the way, walk in it” whenever you turn to the right hand or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21). Again a warning in Psalm 95:7-8 “Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…..”.
Read God’s word to understand His will for your life. Listen to His voice and adjust your direction. Remember that His “fine tuning” instructions will never contradict what is written in His word. This will make you a good follower. God promised Joshua good success if he would read, meditate and follow God’s word (Joshua 1:8). The same promise applies to us as we follow God’s way. Learn from Mr Pelican to be a good follower and like him you will have good success!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me follow you closely and learn of your ways so that I can be a good leader too. Amen
If someone serves me, let him follow me. John 12:26
We were fascinated this morning as we watched a shag and a pelican fishing for their breakfast in the lake. The shag, quite a small bird, was obviously the leader whether he meant to be or not. Wherever he swam, the pelican followed, dipping his head low as they zigzagged in and out under the jetty. When the shag disappeared under the water for a time the pelican watched to see where he would appear and would alter his course to continue following. The result for him was some good fishing. He obviously considered the shag to be worth following and he was well rewarded, so long as he continued to follow the shag’s lead.
To be a successful Christian we need to learn how to follow Jesus, our leader. Too often we can get caught up with following people and relying on them rather than developing a more personal relationship with our Lord. Because people are imperfect we may end up being disappointed and hurt if they don’t meet our expectations. It may even cause us to be disillusioned with Christianity because we were taking our lead from man rather than from Jesus.
Just going to church on Sunday does not make us good followers of Jesus either. It may make us good church attendees but we may not be growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s ways unless we are serious about pursuing and keeping our eyes on Jesus, our leader who said, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24).
If we say that Jesus is our leader then we need to follow him. That means knowing his instructions through reading the Bible and learning how to tune into the Spirit of God, our teacher, who will give us adjustments in our direction as we walk through life. “Your ears will hear a word behind you saying “this is the way, walk in it” whenever you turn to the right hand or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21). Again a warning in Psalm 95:7-8 “Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…..”.
Read God’s word to understand His will for your life. Listen to His voice and adjust your direction. Remember that His “fine tuning” instructions will never contradict what is written in His word. This will make you a good follower. God promised Joshua good success if he would read, meditate and follow God’s word (Joshua 1:8). The same promise applies to us as we follow God’s way. Learn from Mr Pelican to be a good follower and like him you will have good success!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me follow you closely and learn of your ways so that I can be a good leader too. Amen
posted by Daydrops For You at
12:55 AM
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