I had heard this verse so many times. Probably so have you ….
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, NIV)
I had learned from young this refers to a death to oneself; a living for God, even at the cost of our own lives.
But somehow, I had missed the practical everyday application of these words until I read them ….
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat – I am.” (The Message)
My mind flashed back two years ago, when my first granddaughter started pre-school. She was excited to share what she had learned one particular day as the teacher told them about the various “jobs” they may be assigned each week.
“Mimi, the most important job is line leader.”
“Really? And why would that be, Sophia? Tell me about it.”
“The line leader gets to lead everybody to where we need to go. They are first and everybody is behind them.”
And so began the formation when I would pick her up from school – Sophia, in the esteemed position of line leader. Mimi, the lesser – the caboose.
Yes, my job was to bring up the rear.
Not one time, ever, did Sophia turn her head to check that I was in fact, behind her. It was a given. Her job was to lead. Mine was to follow. Plain and simple. Only when we arrived at the front door did she turn to look at me. She was never surprised to discover I was there as she had talked with me the entire length of the hallway. It all worked as we took our places.
Here is Jesus, setting up this same formation. Jesus takes the lead. I am to follow.
Again, plain and simple.
Yet how often I have botched this up, running ahead of Him. How many times I have thought I could take the lead? Or even, do fine on my own?
As I sat thinking in the quiet of the afternoon, it came quickly back to me….
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
He leads – I follow. The results are incredible!
- More strength
- I bring Him honor
- No fear
- He is close beside me
- I have protection and comfort from Him
- He prepares me a feast
- My cup overflows with blessings
- His goodness and unfailing love pursue me
He takes the lead, not to boss or be in control, or to even take control away from me. He leads for my benefit. Solely for my benefit. Today I am going to do things His way. I am going to let Him lead. I will follow. Or in the words of a pre-schooler:
He will be the line leader.
I will be the caboose.
Today I am joining …. Three Word Wed. and Wordless Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls and Winsome Wed. and Wedded Wed. and A Little R & R and Whimsical Wed. and Works For Me and Wholehearted Wed. and Words of Life Wed. and Word Filled Wed. and Imperfect ProseĆĀ and Coffee for Your Heart .
I love it where you mention that Sophia never looked back, just expected you to be there. How often does God look back and say, “I wonder where she went…” My one word for the year is follow š
So very true, Lisa. May we stay close to Him. I am glad this post spoke to your one word. I love when I find an unexpected post on my word. Grateful you shared with me!
Hi! I stopped by from A Little R&R! Such a good analogy! (I LOVE analogies!) Thanks for encouraging me in my walk with the Lord today!
I am amazed at how often I learn from the daily experiences in my life. Grateful that you were encouraged here today. Blessings!
i am so blessed by your words. thank you for sharing!
Thank you for stopping here today. I appreciate it!
This is beautiful!
He takes the lead. Amen
Thanks for linking up with Woman to Woman’s Word Filled Wednesday! God bless.
I love this, Joanne. How often I have gotten out of line and jumped ahead! Sometimes I think I make it too hard, when all He has asked me to do is follow.
We surely do make it harder than it needs to be, Holly. May we learn. The caboose spot truly is not that bad š
God leads we follow it’s such a simple concept yet too often forgotten by me. Thanks for encouraging me. I stopped over from Coffee for Your Heart.
It is so much easier said than done. In writing, I was reminding myself š
He leads for my benefit. Yes, it’s so true. When I try to lead I mess it all up.
We truly do, Laura. Hoping I remember to stay in my position – caboose š
What a comfort! Such a sweet story to relate such a beautiful truth.
Thank you so much!
This was utterly refreshing! Definitely needed this after this hectic week. Thank you!
I am glad it provided refreshment for your tired soul. Thank you for stopping here!
This has me smiling and saying, “I want to be the caboose.” I love the way you write, Joanne. You always share in a way you can truly relate to and help me to read verses with new eyes. It is always a delight to come here. I’m sorry I don’t get by for every post. I’ve been missing you! Love you.
There is never reason to apologize, Beth. There are so many great posts & so few hours in a day. Truly. I am grateful if the way I view life brings you delight or a new perspective on a familiar verse. May God continue to be with you, give you strength & protection. You have been brave, my friend. Keep sharing your testimony & pointing the way to freedom! Love you!
So good. Sometimes it just helps to get fresh perspective on an old verse… Bless you friend. e.
It is so true! Grateful that His Word is always alive & living & fresh. Have a blessed week!