Who Do You Follow?

Follow can be a tricky word. Social media uses it for what we keep up with or find interesting. It can also mean to come after, go after, or be with. And while you may have friended Jesus, stood behind Him in line, monitored His actions, or hung out with Him, that's not what I'm talking about.

"No, I'm not talking about Twitter. I literally want you to follow me." --Jesus  We follow completely, or not at all

There's another definition of follow--to accept as authority or guide, imitate or conform to. This has a deeper purpose, one cleverly described in the Bible though the word is never mentioned.

Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee to the land of the Gergesenes. Many Jews lived there but did not hold to Jewish laws. As Jesus got out of the boat, a man rushed toward Him and screamed. Upon Jesus' command, demons left the poor man, entered a herd of pigs, and killed them.

News spread quickly. When people learned what had happened and saw the man calm and in his right mind, they were afraid. Wanting no part of Jesus, they begged Him to leave them, even as the man begged to be with Him. But Jesus would not allow it.


Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had compassion for you and mercy on you.


The man did as he was told. Then he traveled throughout the region, sharing what Jesus had done for him. And all people--Jews and Gentiles--were amazed. (see Mark 5:1-20)


This account tells of the presence of evil and Jesus' power over it, as well as the depth of His compassion and mercy. But these verses also speak of what it means to follow the Son of God.

Remember the disciples? In all that happened, they did nothing. Even after the man was released, none came to his aid. They followed Jesus just to tag along and accompany Him, but were not involved in His work.
 
What about the Gergesenes? They heard the report and rushed to see for themselves. Yet they were only keeping up with the news. They followed Jesus because they found Him interesting, but refused to be part of His work.

And what of the man himself? Tortured and chained, he had lived a horrible life. Jesus set him free and he was grateful. He desperately wanted to follow Jesus to be with Him. But simply being with Him was not enough for Jesus.

Jesus wanted conviction. He wanted commitment. He wanted this man to accept Him as his sole authority, guide, teacher, lord and master. He wanted him to walk as He walked, love as He loved, and conform his entire life to one of obedience. Jesus wanted this man to follow Him.

And he did. The man obeyed Jesus' instructions, going far beyond what was required. He went not only to his family and friends, but to people throughout the region. He shared what Jesus had done for him. He told of His compassion and mercy. And the people were astounded.

This is what God means when He says, Follow. We are called to follow Him. No one else. Not a beloved pastor, minister, or priest. Not a politician, community leader, or friend. In all we do, we are to follow the one and only Living God. And when we do, we stand amazed in His presence.

So tell me. Want to experience the love of a lifetime and beyond? Who do you follow?

Take Care and Be God's.

Chuck Graham

(republished with permission from CILOA.com)