Articles/Bulletins
Are You Following Where He Leads?
In A Christmas Story set in post-WWII America, Ralphie swears while helping his dad change a flat tire but doesn't want to let his parents know that he had heard that word from his father when his dad daily battled their ancient furnace. Fathers can be a bad example or a good one to their kids; they are certainly always influencing and leading. Our heavenly Father's example is always good, and He always leads us in good ways. Are you following where He leads?
I. Matthew 8:18-22. As Jesus urges His disciples to go across the Sea of Galilee when the Capernaum crowd begins to press in upon Him, a scribe asks to follow. Jesus tells him of the hard life that will befall those who obey the gospel (Ephesians 2:1-6) and don't make this world their home (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). But it is a life full of sweet promises as the title song tells us:
Sweet are the promises, Kind is the word, Dearer far than any message man ever heard; Pure was the mind of Christ, Sinless I see; He the great example is, and pattern for me.
II. John 13:12-38. Another disciple coming to Jesus at the same time desires to follow Jesus as well but wants to wait until his father dies. Jesus tells him that following Jesus has urgency and priority in life. So much love did He have for the living that He doesn't want us to die outside of Him. So, He led the way for us to love others by giving us the example of dying for them (1 John 3:16-18).
Sweet is the tender love Jesus hath shown, Sweeter far than any love that mortals have known; Kind to the erring one, Faithful is He; He the great example is, and pattern for me.
III. Matthew 11:25-30. Peter state emphatically that he will follow Jesus even to death but is told that he will soon deny Jesus three times. Actions speak louder than words, and Jesus' led to the cross. So, we have a traveling companion in our following so we won't grow weary. We can believe or trust or lean upon our Savior who leads the way (is the Way) to our eternal home (John 14:1-6).
List to His loving words, "Come unto Me!" Weary, heavy laden, there is sweet rest for thee; Trust in His promises, Faithful and sure; Lean upon the Savior and thy soul is secure.
There's determination in the chorus: Where He leads I'll follow, Follow all the way; Where He leads I'll follow, Follow Jesus ev'ry day. You may sing, "Where He Leads, I'll Follow," but do you?
