FOLLOWING THE LEADER

We frequent Chick-Fil-A.  My Bible study group meets there after our study every week. 

The kids know the routine.  They go play while I get our food.  I set up, we eat, they play, they have ice cream, then they play while we ladies talk for an hour or more. 

As we leave I grab the baby and my tea, the other three children meander around and I head for the door. 

“Alright everyone.  Follow me.”  I say every week.

I learned shortly after Isabelle was born herding kids doesn’t work.  I heard one time it is like herding cats.  Then I thought of mama duck.  Mama duck is always in front.

I start off in front, but when everyone passes through the door, I end up in the back.  Abigayle doesn’t slow down as she walks through the door, and begins to head towards wherever she thinks the car is.  It’s almost never in the right direction. 

Sometimes, as I’m gathering my things to leave, and tell the kids to stay close and follow me, they begin to encircle me.  As we walk, often one or more is ahead of me. 

By definition, in order for one to follow, another has to be leading.

John 10:3b-4 says: “…and he leads them out.  And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”

Oh, how often I’m wandering around Christ, looking at the other people around eating their lunch, taking a last sip of whatever it is I’m drinking, answering, “Ok, I’ll follow,” while I don’t even turn to look at Him, and as I think He begins heading somewhere, and still not looking at Him, just start to walk where I think He’s leading. 

This, my friends, is not following.

“Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34b)

“Then Peter began to say to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You.’” (Mark 10:28)

These verses convey the dedication with which we are to follow. 

Revelation 14 describes those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes as without fault.  We are to be intentional about following Jesus, making sure we know where He is, that Jesus is in front, that we are willing to go wherever He leads, and leave all else behind.

MEDITATE ON IT

On your walk with God, how often do you allow Him to be in front?

Are there some places you are not willing to follow Him?  In ministry?  Into the past?  In your heart?

Is there a reoccurring area of your life that you start off following Jesus, and then walk right past Him blazing your own path ahead of Him?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, we desperately want to follow You where You lead us to go.  We often forgetForgive us for leading our own ways, which often lead us to destruction.  Remind us, teach us and show us how to follow You whole-heartedly forsaking all else.  Be our Shepherd.  Draw us to You by Your loving voice.  Prepare the way ahead of us, and help us surrender to Your path. to let you do the leading. 

LIVE IN IT

“My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8)

“These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.  These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation 14:4b-5)

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:26)