Abide-Follow Closely

ABIDE-FOLLOW CLOSELY

Part 2 of 12 in Train to Reign Series

1 Peter 2:9-12

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

The kids’ game, “Follow the Leader” demonstrates why Jesus’ followers are to stay close. Watch how easily first graders get distracted playing this game during recess from school. Ms. Busby directed her students, “Follow me.” Ms. Busby jogged to the swing set, around to the right to the sliding board, then left, to jump the Hop-Scotch board painted on the ground.

Colleen jogged behind Ms. Busby to the right of the swing set, but climbed the sliding board ladder and slid down, before following Ms. Busby to the Hop Scotch board. Forrest followed Colleen to the swing set. He began swinging instead of following. Paula ran to the sliding board, climbed the ladder, and slid down. Levi followed Paula. Then they climbed the ladder, and slid down again.

Sandy saw Ms. Busby ahead, and ran directly to the Hop-Scotch board. She jumped the Hop-Scotch board painted on the ground, and ending exactly on the spot where they were all supposed to be. Colin couldn’t keep up, and just sat down to play in the sand box. No one correctly followed Ms. Busby closely through the playground.

Following closely on the path that God calls us takes trust. His narrow path is not crowded with travelers, but we’ll meet other disciples who’re also following Jesus there. Many get distracted by the world, and follow other interests. Others get lost, and give up following Jesus altogether. But those who trust Jesus will follow Him closely.

True disciples abide in Jesus. They’ll discover the depth of His love, marvel at His character, and admit the perfection of His plan. When Jesus gives direction, those who follow closely, obey immediately. Those who sort of follow—walk slowly—fall back and out of sight. They drift away. Some actually flatly refuse following Jesus when He’s leading somewhere unpopular, difficult, or painful.

Take Home Nugget

Disciples following Jesus closely are actively involved, as the body of Christ. We’re doers, not watchers. We tap into the Spiritual gifts God’s given us, and serve others every time there’s a need. First Corinthians 12:8-10 lists Spiritual gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, trust, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, telling apart the different spirits, speaking in different languages (or tongues), and interpreting those languages.

The closer we follow Jesus, the quicker we respond to His directions.

J.D. Griffith

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