Hosanna Restoration Church

We become followers of Jesus as we follow Him. The deeper we follow Him into the Kingdom of God the more we become followers. If we quit following we cease to be followers. That is all pretty simple to understand. But just for the sake of clarity, let me elaborate a bit.

Thirty-one years ago about this time of year I was following Jesus for the first time. I was not necessarily doing it in a way that would help others see, but I was following all the same. I was in a spiritual war before I knew what spiritual warfare was and it was war! There was only one way for me to survive the war and that was to know Jesus more. I did not know enough to give up or feel like I would not make it. I did not know enough to feel like a failure. That was mostly because so many things were changing I looked at the good changes instead of at the falling short times. The truth is I probably never knew when I fell short. Now I know only too well.

Most of my battle was private as I sorted things out. My approaches were a bit unorthodox. For instance when I really thought the Lord was telling me to quit drinking I thought the best way to see if it was the Lord was to get really drunk. Not theologically sound I realize, but it worked. By the way, I did not really know God spoke to people at that time so I was careful not tell folks He said it. Like I said, I was becoming a follower. I felt like I was way in the back, but at least in line. Now I realize I was chasing as closely as I knew how. To this day, I am following and becoming a closer follower. Some days I do much better than others!

The important thing is that we follow! Just as these men received their sight and began following, so it is with us. When we catch sight of the Lord we need to get moving and keep moving. After all, He is leading us out of enemy territory. Too many people catch a glimpse and think it is enough. There is no such thing as enough of the Kingdom of God.

Reminds me of Fiddler on the Roof when Tevia looks at the sewing machine his son-in-law had just received. He opens the door, looks in, and says “There I’ve seen it!” Knowing about the Lord and following Him closely enough to know Him are two different things.

When we see Him it is important that we keep Him in sight. Many a follower have drifted away because they stopped following. They become as a child lost in the woods because they wander off the path. The good news is; God never loses track of us. We can call and He will answer. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Just start to praise again. Follow in such a way that others will see and be prepared to explain the hope that you have in you.