As kids, I’m sure you all played at least one game of “Follow the Leader”. When I would play it, all the neighborhood kids were involved and the boys would try to do things they didn’t think the girls could do – like climb trees, etc. The goal of the game was to be the leader.
However, if we are going to be truly successful we must be willing to follow the leader, Jesus.
“17 From that time Jesus began to tell people his message: “Change your hearts and lives, because God’s kingdom is now very near.”
18 As Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Simon’s brother Andrew. These brothers were fishermen, and they were fishing in the lake with a net. 19 Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.” 20 Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him.
21 Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee. They were preparing their nets to catch fish. Jesus told the brothers to come with him. 22 So they immediately left the boat and their father, and they followed Jesus.
23 Jesus went everywhere in the country of Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and told the Good News about God’s kingdom. And he healed all the people’s diseases and sicknesses.” Matthew 4:17-23
These men had a successful fishing business and Jesus called them to follow. Do you see what it says? Immediately they left what they were doing and followed him.
Immediately!!! Good word – you know what that word means – it means immediately…duh! No hesitation, no questioning, no second thoughts but immediately they followed.
“Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said:
If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. 35 If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it.” Mark 8:34-35
Following Christ requires two things – first we must be willing and second we must be obedient. So over the next few days we’ll be looking at the Scriptures and working on our lead changes.
It might be a little scary but it comes with a promise. If we follow, we will gain life, life filled with good.
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19