Following Jesus - Pt 4

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 ESV). “Follow Me.” This last phrase in the statement of Jesus is so basic. After we have put aside those selfish desires and become a willing participant in the Gospel, Jesus plainly says, “Follow me.” That’s the same invitation Jesus extends to you and I, the children of God, today. I think it is worthy to note that Jesus is specific about following HIM. Eli Black was a brilliant businessman best known for two events in his life: He masterminded the multimillion dollar takeover of the United Fruit conglomerate, and he jumped to his death from the 42nd floor of the Pan Am building in New York City. In the book An American Company, an executive described a business lunch he had with Eli Black. When the waitress brought a plate of cheese and crackers as an appetizer, Black reached out and took them, placed them on the table, blocked them with his arms, and continued talking. The executive hadn’t eaten for hours and hinted that he would like a cracker. But Black acted as though he hadn’t heard him and went on with the business meeting. After a while, Black placed a cracker and cheese on the tips of his fingers and continued to talk. Several moments later, Black placed the cracker on the executive’s plate and then blocked the rest as before. It was clear that Black was in charge, manipulating others as he pleased. When you play “follow the leader,” check to see who is at the head of the line. Eli Black, for all his power, ended up in suicide. Jesus Christ, in all His humility, ended up the Savior of the world. When the disciples were called of God, they didn’t ask where, when, why or how? They simply left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They put their faith in the person of Jesus Christ. When you and I follow Christ, we will take on Christ’s agenda. We will go where He calls us to go, when He calls us to go, for the reasons He has for us. Sometimes, really many times, we may not even know where, when, why or how God is going to do what He has called us to do. We simply follow by faith. I would be less than honest with you if I didn't disclose to you that this is exactly where I am in my life today. I am having to daily wait for the Lord's next command and provision for me. Are you at the point in your spiritual maturity where you are willing to follow Christ, even if He takes you to unexpected places? The mark of all spiritual giants is a blind trust in the person of Jesus Christ.