What Made Them Follow?

...a recent assignment has me looking particularly at the way Jesus was a leader, how he inspired peopke to follow him. What would make fishermen lay down their nets and walk away from the family business.. or what went through the mind of a tax collector to push back from his collection table.. or, for that matter, what persuaded YOU (and me) to follow this One whom we have never seen but whom we love and serve? What is the Motivation that persuades us to put our present mortal existence on the course we have taken, to seek a Kingdom of Promise in preference to values that are so important to so many other people? How has Jesus persuaded us?

Whatever the reasons for starting out with Jesus might be I am persuaded- (or as Reuben used to say 'I think I think')- I am being persuaded that somehow I am tenderly loved. The way Jesus leads us is by persuading us that we can trust him- that his way is the good way, the right way, and that he himself will go before us- that is what leading means- and at the same time he will be with us- and by his Holy Spirit- he even will be IN us. I think it is dawning on me that this is why I follow.

I think this might have been what Peter was thinking when he said to Jesus "Lord, we have left everything to follow you!" I don't think he was complaining, or even doubting, but just stating a fact and sort of looking for the reassurance. It came.

So by the grace of God I intend to keep following. Faith to follow is a gift, a precious gift. I ask for it even as I use it up. Lord, we have followed you-- maybe imperfectly, but without reservation or turning back. Lead on. Let us be with You and it is enough...