In today’s fluffy flurry of social media, the word “follow” is somewhat diluted and shallow, don’t you think?
We ‘follow’ someone’s Instagram or facebook page because their puppy is cute or to see what they wore to their birthday dinner. We then ‘unfollow’ on a whim at the click of a button. It requires no great commitment and is of questionable value in the big scheme of things.
But Jesus used this word frequently during His time here on earth—only with Him, when he said, “Follow Me,” it was an invitation and command. Life-changing and life-giving.
For one disciple, Peter the fisherman, these two words bookended his time with Jesus.
“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19).
In his first encounter with the Son of God, “Follow Me” was an invitation to leave his fish and share the good news of the gospel. And then finally, at a breakfast of fish on the beach, the risen Lord commanded Peter to “Follow Me” rather than be distracted by the business of others:
“Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me’” (John 21:22)!
Invitation and command. Not only for Peter but for us today. For our good and for God’s glory.
He knows how easily distracted we are, much like Peter. How we tend to be judgmental and concern ourselves with the business of others—when we desperately need to focus on our own walk with Jesus.
To follow Him.
To accept the divine invitation and obey the loving command of One who cares how we spend our time and attention, who longs to give us a life of deep joy, peace, and purpose.
Friend, who are we choosing to follow today?
