(c) 2024 Anna M. K. Hazen
Follow Me, Says the Lord Following Yeshua, our Messiah, is not simply an ancient invitation etched on a dusty scroll; it’s an eternal call that transcends time, culture, and those moments when your Wi-Fi decides to play hide and seek. It beckons us to embark on a glorious journey filled with transformation, commitment, and a faith that would make even the most advanced GPS throw up its digital hands in surrender. But fear not! This isn’t a spiritual road trip without a map—we’ll unpack what it truly means to follow Him through Scripture and relatable examples that illuminate the often winding path of discipleship.
The Call to Follow Yeshua’s invitation to follow Him is as catchy as your favorite childhood jingle yet as profound as a philosopher pondering the mysteries of the universe (without the caffeine addiction). In Matthew 4:19, He calls His first disciples with a straightforward yet powerful phrase: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Let’s clarify—this isn’t about those relaxed fishing excursions where the biggest stories come from “the one that got away!” This invitation isn’t just for those twelve fishermen; it’s for every one of us who can still hear His voice today, inviting us into our unique roles in His grand narrative. So, what does it mean to truly follow Him? Strap in—we’re about to dive deep!
1. Listening and Obeying: Our first step in following Yeshua involves tuning our ears to His heavenly symphony. John 10:27 reminds us, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Yeshua loves to guide us, much like a shepherd leading his flock through lush pastures—or perhaps more like a caring companion trying to save us from another trip to the clearance rack! This divine guidance requires consistent “spiritual snacks”: the daily nourishment of prayer and immersing ourselves in Scripture.
Real-Life Example: Meet Becky, a bright young woman who found herself at a career crossroads that felt knotty enough to challenge the best of life’s puzzlers. By dedicating her mornings to prayer and Bible reading, Proverbs 3:5-6 became her anchor amidst turbulence: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” As she relinquished her grip on control and leaned into Yeshua, clarity dawned, guiding her to a fulfilling path she’d never considered—proof that heavenly navigation systems are undoubtedly the finest around!
2. Daily Denial of Self: Following Yeshua often resembles taking an unexpected detour on the road of life—turning away from our own desires to take the road less traveled. Luke 9:23 sets the scene: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Sacrifices? Absolutely! They’re a part of this divine package deal. This means sometimes placing personal comforts on the back burner to serve others and advance His eternal Kingdom (and don’t worry, there’s no need for baking expertise or green thumbs).
Real-Life Example: Say hello to Michael, a successful businessman whose achievements felt about as fulfilling as a dessert buffet at a diet convention. He sensed Yeshua nudging him to serve the homeless in his community. After some initial unease—wondering if he’d have to swap his tailored suit for a superhero cape—Michael courageously took the plunge into volunteering at a local shelter. This leap of faith not only transformed the lives of those he served but also filled his heart with purpose that left corporate accolades trailing in the dust.
3. Living in Community: Following Yeshua isn’t designed to be a solo endeavor, because even the most seasoned adventurers appreciate good company—especially when there are fun stories involved! Acts 2:42-47 highlights the early church thriving in community: sharing meals, breaking bread together (yes, even during those infamous “pass-the-bread” moments), and praying for one another. Being part of a community of believers provides support, encouragement, and that much-needed “you’ve got this!” cheer when we stumble—a vital reminder when encountering life’s monumental challenges.
Real-Life Example: Enter Kara, who relocated to a new city and found welcome mats almost as rare as a snowstorm in the Sahara. Loneliness crept in like an uninvited guest until she decided to attend a local church and join a small group. Through engaging Bible studies and fellowship, she deepened her relationship with Yeshua and cultivated friendships that enriched her spiritual journey—proof that community truly is the holy superglue that binds us together!
4. Following His Example: To follow Yeshua means to mimic His character and actions—think less espionage and more action figure with all the right moves. Ephesians 5:1 encourages us to be imitators of God as His beloved children. Yeshua embodied love, compassion, humility, and service—qualities we are called to reflect in our everyday lives.
Real-Life Example: Consider Mr. Thompson, a 6th grade math teacher navigating his classroom like a captain steering through stormy seas. Rather than merely grading papers like a well-oiled machine, he invested time in truly knowing his students. His care extended beyond academics, creating an environment where students felt safe to explore their faith in Yeshua. Now that’s a shining example—he’s definitely worthy of a gold star!
The Transformative Power of Following Yeshua Following Yeshua leads to personal transformation, sparking change in the lives of those around us. Through prayer, meditative Scripture reflection, community building, and serving others, we become radiant vessels of His love and light—ready for divine adventures that would make any movie plot look tame!
Yeshua’s call to follow Him is a daily journey filled with faith, obedience, and transformation. By sharpening our ability to hear His voice, denying ourselves, engaging in fellowship, and living out His love, we open ourselves to new beginnings and positively impact others. As we embrace this divine adventure, hold onto His eternal promise from Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Respond to the call—“Follow me,” says the Lord—and embark on a journey that will refresh and enrich our lives in ways we haven’t even dreamed of. Buckle up; it’s going to be quite the ride! And remember, keep your wicks trimmed and your lanterns filled with oil—after all, THE KING IS COMING SOON!