Simply Follow Christ
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)
In one of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances, He was alone on the shore where He had first called His fishermen. After the miraculous catch of Galilean fish, Simon Peter jumped out of the boat and hurried to the shore to be the first one with Jesus. You can almost feel the atmosphere, with Simon Peter wanting to make things completely right.
Following his denial, Simon Peter was longing to hear fresh words from the Lord. The dialogue moves forward with Jesus telling Simon Peter that (in his older years) Simon Peter would be led where he did not want to go. Redirecting the focus to John, the youngest disciple, Simon asked about John. Then, he heard the words, “What is that to you?”
Sometimes, we find ourselves perplexed about what appears to be an unfair blessing on others, as compared to the blessing that we receive from God. We either don’t like the timing, circumstances or even the direction. We think if someone is getting a better deal from God, we are left with the shorter straw. Have you ever been there? Let’s face it: We don’t like to admit it when our flesh is offended, especially when dealing with God’s providence. Somehow, we think we deserve more, the better place, or the greater recognition and privilege. Unless false humility has blinded you to the real you, we all wrestle with this…so admit it.
Where do we go when this happens? Nowhere is the correct answer…just stay with Jesus on the shore. Remember, the denying disciple also heard, “You must follow me.” No qualifiers allowed. No commas with exceptions are offered. It is essential that we must follow Christ. The focus turns from what we think we deserve to wherever He leads. The old song with the lyrics, “Wherever He leads, I’ll go…” is never more important than here at this moment. We must simply follow Christ, regardless of the outcome. Follow on!
In one of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances, He was alone on the shore where He had first called His fishermen. After the miraculous catch of Galilean fish, Simon Peter jumped out of the boat and hurried to the shore to be the first one with Jesus. You can almost feel the atmosphere, with Simon Peter wanting to make things completely right.
Following his denial, Simon Peter was longing to hear fresh words from the Lord. The dialogue moves forward with Jesus telling Simon Peter that (in his older years) Simon Peter would be led where he did not want to go. Redirecting the focus to John, the youngest disciple, Simon asked about John. Then, he heard the words, “What is that to you?”
Sometimes, we find ourselves perplexed about what appears to be an unfair blessing on others, as compared to the blessing that we receive from God. We either don’t like the timing, circumstances or even the direction. We think if someone is getting a better deal from God, we are left with the shorter straw. Have you ever been there? Let’s face it: We don’t like to admit it when our flesh is offended, especially when dealing with God’s providence. Somehow, we think we deserve more, the better place, or the greater recognition and privilege. Unless false humility has blinded you to the real you, we all wrestle with this…so admit it.
Where do we go when this happens? Nowhere is the correct answer…just stay with Jesus on the shore. Remember, the denying disciple also heard, “You must follow me.” No qualifiers allowed. No commas with exceptions are offered. It is essential that we must follow Christ. The focus turns from what we think we deserve to wherever He leads. The old song with the lyrics, “Wherever He leads, I’ll go…” is never more important than here at this moment. We must simply follow Christ, regardless of the outcome. Follow on!
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Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
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Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
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Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?
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My life may not go the way I would like it. yet through it all I need to follow Jesus Trusting Him
I will follow Jesus and let the Holy Spirit to direct me. I feel stymied, yet I know to trust Jesus
I do not feel that way at all, but just opposite of how many have it easier then myself. I am grateful for what I have, air in my lungs, food, shelter. Jesus shows us how to live, love and have forgiveness. We can never do all Jesus wants, or be Jesus. Even pastors that teach day in, day out will not come close to being like Jesus. My Mother was not a bible thumper and taught us to the best we can according to his law. There is no (and) to getting saved and going to heaven, just believing/trusting his word to live, You do not get to heaven by reading the bible AND getting baptized, AND, AND, AND. Many pastors today believe you must do all these things or we will go to hell. Not the way it works. Every decision we make should ask ourselves, WWJD, then do our bests to do. The more possessions one has, the more one has to deal with, that do not matter whatsoever of this world. Soul, heart and spirit of God is all you need, the rest will follow. Easy peasy
Before every decision we make we should pray to Jesus for his guidance and thank Him for standing with us in our effort to glorify God. It is our relationship with Jesus that strengthens us. God's provision to us is His word and we cannot walk with Jesus without God's word. If we are to abide in Jesus we must abide in the word of God because Jesus is the word.
"But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' " - Luke 4:4 NKJV
Jesus was the greatest Bible Thumper of all time, and his death on the cross was not "easy peasy". Following Christ is no easy task, obedience to Him takes time and effort.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. - Matthew 16:24 NKJV 🙏