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Follow-ship
Posted by Brian
on
10:41 AM
in
E-votionals
We're wrapping up our study of the virtue of "responsibility" this week. Over the past few weeks we've looked at ways to become more responsible - with our time, talents and resources, and even the truth.
This week we're are looking at the responsibility of being a follower.
In truth, this is where most of us live. In my life I have met relatively few truly gifted leaders. They exist, but you will have to admit they are few and far between, and we have all met our share of "wanna-bes", right?
But when you find a leader, the attraction to follow is nearly irresistable. This was especially true of Jesus. You don't get the sense that folks followed Him because they were being coerced into it, or out of guilt. They followed him with wide-eyed fascination, soaking as much of him as they could. And the fact that Jesus led as a servant made him even more "followable".
We all know that leaders have responsibilities, but have you ever thought about the responsibilities of a follower?
Elisha was tapped to be the prophet Elijah's successor. But before this could happen, he would be Elijah's apprentice - he would follow closely and learn all he could. When he left his family, it was permanent. He burned his plowing equipment, BBQ'd his oxen, and kissed his parents goodbye. (see 1 Kings 19:16-21). He was unswervingly loyal to Elijah, literally following him to the ends of the earth. Three times he said, ""As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." (2 Kings 2:1-15) Before Elijah was taken to heaven (remember, he didn't actually die - a cool quality in a leader!), Elisha asked for "a double portion" of Elijah's spirit. Elisha took the responsibilty of following seriously!
How about you? Are you not only content to follow, but willing to sacrifice to follow? Jesus disciples each died much like Jesus did. All of them became leaders like Jesus, evidenced by the crowds that followed them, and by the fact that we are here today as part of their legacy.
Leadership has it's responsibilities, but so does follow-ship.
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This week we're are looking at the responsibility of being a follower.
In truth, this is where most of us live. In my life I have met relatively few truly gifted leaders. They exist, but you will have to admit they are few and far between, and we have all met our share of "wanna-bes", right?
But when you find a leader, the attraction to follow is nearly irresistable. This was especially true of Jesus. You don't get the sense that folks followed Him because they were being coerced into it, or out of guilt. They followed him with wide-eyed fascination, soaking as much of him as they could. And the fact that Jesus led as a servant made him even more "followable".
We all know that leaders have responsibilities, but have you ever thought about the responsibilities of a follower?
Elisha was tapped to be the prophet Elijah's successor. But before this could happen, he would be Elijah's apprentice - he would follow closely and learn all he could. When he left his family, it was permanent. He burned his plowing equipment, BBQ'd his oxen, and kissed his parents goodbye. (see 1 Kings 19:16-21). He was unswervingly loyal to Elijah, literally following him to the ends of the earth. Three times he said, ""As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." (2 Kings 2:1-15) Before Elijah was taken to heaven (remember, he didn't actually die - a cool quality in a leader!), Elisha asked for "a double portion" of Elijah's spirit. Elisha took the responsibilty of following seriously!
How about you? Are you not only content to follow, but willing to sacrifice to follow? Jesus disciples each died much like Jesus did. All of them became leaders like Jesus, evidenced by the crowds that followed them, and by the fact that we are here today as part of their legacy.
Leadership has it's responsibilities, but so does follow-ship.
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