Clothesline 274 "Following Jesus"

For the past two weeks we have been on a journey of discovery. We have looked at those things that show us who Jesus really is. Once we grasp the concept of this Jesus…who he is, how much he loves us, and wants a relationship with us…it is time to choose Jesus. And in making this choice, we must follow wherever he leads. That’s the final leg of our journey: following Jesus.

So how do we follow Jesus? There is a wonderful story that can explain this. Many, many years ago when electricity was introduced to farmers in rural areas, they weren’t very receptive to the idea. It was new. It was a change from their “hands on” way of doing things. We can manage carrying buckets of water to irrigate our plants, thank you very much. They didn’t realize, or maybe trust, that if only they would “flip the switch” and became connected to electricity, their lives would be so much easier. Well, when we discover the person of Jesus, and when we choose to make Him a part of our lives, something wonderful happens. We become connected to an amazing power source: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit flips the switch and we become reborn in Jesus.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he tells us how we are connected to Jesus. He says this: “for our Gospel came to you not only in Word, [another name for Jesus—the Word] but also in power…in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thes. 1:5) And it is this power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to connect with and follow Jesus.

And what does this power give us? This Spirit-filled power gives us a heart for stewardship, a fire for witness, a need for study and a yearning for prayer. All these things, in varying degrees and at different times, become part of us when we say, “Yes, Jesus, I will follow you,” and that’s when we receive his Spirit. That’s when the Holy Spirit “flips the switch” and we become forever connected to the power of that Spirit.

We begin to understand that everything we are and everything we have belongs to God and we must be good stewards of all that God has given. We will develop a fire to witness to our faith. We might not stand on street corners, but if we walk by faith, the Spirit will come up in conversation, and in ways that you might not expect. And as this power grows within you, you will want to learn and study more about this God who has given you so much. And the final piece to complete your relationship with Jesus is a need for prayer. How else can you develop this amazing relationship with God unless prayer becomes vital to your daily life.

As we draw closer to the holidays, there is no better time than to approach the throne of grace, to give ourselves over to Jesus, and follow his lead. I promise you…you won’t be disappointed!