Some time ago, my brother-in-law, Gary, and I were backpacking along the Appalachian Trail. We followed the well marked path through thick forests, along mountain ridges, beside bubbling streams, and even past a waterfall or two. After several days, we were hot, sweaty, dirty and tired. Since we had not had a real bath in a while, I guess you could say we were...oh, what's the word...nasty.
One night we went to a nearby town and wandered into an old motel, much to the dismay of the clerk who stepped back a few feet. Once the arrangements were made, we headed to our room and the blessed hot showers that awaited us. Hours later, and finally presentable again, we went out for something to eat.
We chose a restaurant that served steak, which sounded awfully good. It was located beside a river and had a nice relaxed feel. We didn't appear too terribly different from others there, though we did have that "look of the trail" about us. Maybe that's why we didn't have to wait for a table.
The perky hostess gathered some menus, hurried off toward the far end of the restaurant, and, in that singsong way perky hostesses have, called back, "Follow me." So, with the heavenly aroma of perfectly grilled steak beaconing us on, Gary and I dutifully followed...or rather, tried to. I would even go so far as to say, desperately tried to. Alas, muscles tightened, joints ached, and our legs ceased to function.
We had been climbing mountains, descending steep paths, and walking many miles, all at a respectable pace. Now this young lady was practically sprinting to an unseen table in far off room...and we couldn't keep up! Oh, the desire was there. The steak was calling us. But we just couldn't follow her.
I remembered that the other day as I read an article saying all we have to do is follow Jesus and that will take care of everything. No more troubles, no more sorrow. Just focus on Jesus, nothing else. Odd, isn't it? Jesus Himself said He has brought tension into this world and when we follow Him, we should actually expect trouble and sorrow. But beyond that, there was something missing in the article.
Yes, we are to follow Jesus, live as He taught, and do what He commanded. We are to look to Him and walk with Him. And yet, we are not to so focus on Him that we forget about those around us. What did Jesus tell us? Love me, only me? No. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
Jesus repeatedly says to be aware of those around us. We find the same refrain again and again in the writings of Paul, Peter and John - men who walked and talked and sat with Jesus, listening to His every word - men who followed Jesus - men who led others willing to follow. Turns out, there's a lot more to Follow me than following. There's also leading.
Paul once wrote, Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) He wasn't claiming he had figured it all out or boasting that he no longer made any mistakes. He was simply saying, "I'm doing my best to follow Jesus and live the life He's called me to, and I want to help you do the same. So follow my lead as I follow Him, because then you'll actually be following Him!"
When sheep move along a path, only a few see the shepherd. The others follow the ones who follow him. Life can be like that. Sometimes it's difficult to see our Shepherd, but we can follow those who do. And sometimes it's us who see Him clearly, and others need to be able to follow our lead as we follow Him.
Sure. Maybe you haven't figured it all out. Maybe you still make mistakes. But there are always people who can see you when they can't see God, who can then follow you as you follow Him. Just remember not to rush ahead and leave them behind.
