It was amazing to see the outcome of the American election and the vast majority of the electorate that voted for President Barack Obama. They truly demonstrated the power of choice. If you had followed the campaign, his reelection should not have come as a surprise. Why was the crowd following him? What was the attraction?
I guess you know some of the answers to those questions by now. Likewise, in the same manner, I pondered on the questions – Why do people follow Jesus? What is the attraction? Are they following him for the person he is or for their own personal gain?
You see, there is no better time than now for us to reflect on those questions as we prepare for the Christmas season and what it represents. What are our true motives for following Jesus? Is it out of tradition? Is it for the things He can give us?Do we follow because we wish to identify with the crowd? What is it for you? Why do you follow him?
People follow others for various reasons: special privileges or benefits – for anything they can get, and others just for a sense of belonging to the group. But in order to truly follow someone, you must know why you are following him or her, because following him or her can be detrimental.
You see, it was no difference in the days of old. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He was often followed by great crowds. The numbers were so great that at times he had to withdraw from them to have time with His Father. They followed him for various reasons and motives. For some it was out of admiration -they wanted to see the miracles. Some followed for the food, some wanted healing, some wanted all He had to offer them. Some wanted to catch or trap him with his words so they could accuse him. Some wanted to stone him. Some just followed the crowd and some wanted the gift of eternal life.
But following Jesus was not easy! They realized it was costly. It had a price. He told them so himself. He warned them that people would hate them for doing so. They would suffer persecution, they would have to forsake others, worldly pleasures, even themselves. He wanted total commitment. Jesus challenged the motives of His followers on certain occasions and some “turned away and followed Him no more.” (John 6:66). On such occasions Jesus did not change His message to be more acceptable to the crowds. He let them depart. The price was so great that some people forsook him.
Following him is no different today. We just don’t follow for following sake. There is a price to pay. There is sacrifice involved. There must be total commitment. If we choose to follow Jesus, we have to have a made up mind. We have to be determined to follow him when times are good and when times are bad; when it is easy and when it is hard. We have to follow Him today and tomorrow and everyday of our lives, in happiness and in sorrow. We have to follow Him over every hill and through every valley until that glorious day when He finally leads us home.
You see, following Jesus is not about how often we attend church, or about which denomination we belong to. It is not about having our names on the church’s books. It is not about doing good works. It is not about how much offering we give. Instead, it is about having a personal intimate relationship with Him, and sharing the good news with others so that they too will follow him in spirit and in truth.
We should follow Jesus for who He is – He is the son of God. We should follow him for what he has done for us -He died for the remission of our sins. We should follow him for what he can do for us – He can save us from our sins. We should follow him because of what he will do for us -He will come again to receive us unto himself and we will reign with him forever.Following Jesus is the only way to please God and get to heaven.
The most important decision we make in this life is where we will spend our eternal life. When we have made that choice, we are not only prepared to die. we are finally ready to live! Think about it my friends! Truly ask yourself the question –Why do I follow him and make sure your motives for doing so are pure.
Here is the reason why you should follow him:
You ask why I follow this Jesus?
You ask why I follow this Jesus?Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world’s turned away from His teachings, And the people who serve Him are few.
It’s not the rewards I’m after, Or gifts that I hope to receive
It’s the Presence that calls for commitment, It’s the Spirit I trust and believe.
The Lord doesn’t shelter His faithful, Or spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,And walk through my share of rain.
Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,But I do know I’m never alone.
It’s the love always there when you need it;It’s the words that redeem and inspire,
It’s the longing to ever be with Him that burns in my heart like a fire.
So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?Well, friend, that’s so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is Why Jesus loves someone like me.
Author Unknown
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill,Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765
