Following the Leader
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” – Matthew 16:24 MSG
After a game of Follow the Leader with the kids, Pam’s sermon about following Jesus took me on a drive in my imagination. Often in a car we are either following or leading someone else. It was especially fun to find the Message’s translation of the scripture for that day.
In high school a bunch of us would play “Chase” after MYF – which is just a teenage version of Follow the Leader driving cars. (Even going to church twice on Sundays doesn’t change the chemistry of a teenage brain.) Of course, the only safe position in that game is leader – because you know where you’re going and if the path is clear in front of you. Since bad things only happen to others in a teenager’s brain, a bent wheel from hitting a curb, or a scraped driver’s door from side swiping a sign are unexpected (and difficult to explain) consequences. Did they stop us from playing again? Not until we outgrew that teenage brain and actually considered who was good to follow – and how.
Fast forward to the adult who now is in the driver’s seat leading someone – perhaps a teenager – to somewhere they have never been. Most likely the follower is sticking pretty close to the rear bumper, but there are stop lights, other cars, etc. that get in the way. Assuming you’re not trying to lose your follower, you most likely are keeping an eye on them in your rear-view mirror. If you’re a careful/caring leader, you’ll even stop or slow down to be sure they catch up.
Isn’t that what Jesus is doing for us? He’s keeping his eye on us – even if we end up on a detour, or get slowed down or stopped by some distraction. If we follow Him, He’ll slow down, or back up, or wait patiently at the side of the road till we get back in line behind Him.
Dear Jesus, thanks for keeping me always in Your rear-view mirror. Amen!
Jacki Rumpp, CGMC
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