follow Jesus

Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” John 21:22

When Jesus makes the statement, “follow me”, what does all that mean?

In my younger days, I associated this as a student following his rabbi. Later, it meant addressing HIM as Lord and King under the rule of HIS Kingdom. But now, just a few days ago, the meaning even has gotten deeper.

I was listening to a person explain his life story to a group of us. This was like the fourth or fifth time I heard it. But this time coming to know him better, I listened deeper. Not just for the words but his psychological state of mind. It was like listening to a tape recorder. He had his story down pat. He believed it. It was his viewpoint of the situation. Who was I to disagree with him.

Yet, the story left a sad mark on me. The story made him the center of all life’s problems. He was the victim. There was no hope. No future. Just yesterday’s pain rolled up into today’s victimhood. Then it dawned on me. Jesus statement to follow HIM is more than a spiritual invitation. It is the invitation to write a new story. A life story where we join HIM in HIS story. We forgo our story. Instead of being the central character in our story, we accept the supporting role. Jesus is the central character. We join HIM in HIS story.

In our story, we are the hero or the victim. In Jesus story, HE is the hero and savior. We repent. We forgo our central position of the story. We refocus on Jesus. We join HIM. We support HIM as HIS follower. HE takes top billings. We accept the role which makes HIM look best. We become engaged with HIM in HIS story. We look forward to making all things new with HIM. We practice the art of Kingdom living with HIM. We do our work and play with HIM. We acknowledge HIM as the lead partner in our dance around life’s floor.

When now asked to share our story, Jesus is the central character, we are the supporting cast. We no longer are the prisoner of our story. We are no longer the villain. We are no longer the hero, savior, or ruler. We are but HIS servant joining HIM in our role at work, home, and community. We gladly deny ourselves. We maturely take up our responsibilities. We now follow HIM as HE completes HIS story in us, with us, and through us.

As Jesus states in this Scripture to Peter, don’t be concern with John’s part in HIS story, but yours. For both of them have a role to share in HIS story. The same is true with us. So let go and let Jesus be the central person in your story. When we do, watch as our part in HIS story becomes more real and rewarding. For HIS story becomes alive and we receive the benefits of HIS Kingdom for ourself, and for the sake of others.

History is HIS story. Current events are unfolding to reveal more of HIS story. The future waits for HIS story to be completed. The Bible gives us a general outline of what to expect. The details are happening as time moves forward. One’s faith only grows when one sees Jesus as Lord, King, and Savior for all humanity. The sad part is when one fails to see HIM as HE truly IS. HE is the hope for all humanity. Hopefully more may come to know HIM, HIS story, and our role with HIM.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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John 18:37

…Everyone who is of the truth listens to my (Jesus) voice.” ESV.

pray1

When a crisis occurs in your life, how do you normally react? When you are at the end of your rope for solutions, where do you turn to? When no one seems to understand you or care, where do you go for support?

We are all human with similar needs, desires, and responses. How we react to adverse situations over time is typically a byproduct of a learned response. Whether we have a violent temper, a foul mouth tongue, or a beaten-up self-image, there are multiple responses as there are people. However, one response has proven over and over again to work most effectively when given the chance. When one turns the matter over to our Creator and watch how He reveals His love and care for you, then you learn the power of praying, listening, and doing.

The Kingdom of God operates through the heart of its citizens. Unless one is in contact with the Lord of the House, one doesn’t really reap the benefits of having a personal relationship with the King. When you have the King’s ear, you have someone who can make the difference in everything you do. So, when you learn to listen and do what your King suggests, you have a very good source of knowing what is best. Therefore, stop your busyness and explore all the other possibilities you haven’t considered.

Most of us start with the doing phase. We focus on what must we do. Instead our focus needs to be on leaning more on Him through prayer. And in our prayer, we need to spend more time listening than speaking. The Spirit already knows the best solution for your dilemma. We only have to learn to pray, listen, and then do.

Rooting For You in Christ!