Follow the Leader

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.  (Matthew 16:24)


   When I was a young boy, the neighborhood kids enjoyed playing the game of follow-the-leader.  Different ones took turns being the leader, and we walked, crawled, and climbed over all kinds of obstacles.  It took a lot of effort to keep up with the leader and duplicate his movements.

   You will find a lot of follow-the-leader stories in the Bible.  God uses people as leaders, but other devices are used as well.  A pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day led the people of Israel in the wilderness.  Balaam's donkey led him on a merry chase.  A fiery furnace led Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God.  A star led the wise men to the newborn baby Jesus.  Greed led Judas to betray his Savior, while fer led Peter to deny the Lord.

   One thing stands out in all these follow-the-leader examples.  God was in control.  He is the master leaders and directs events to fulfill his own will and purpose.

    Are you a leader or a follower?  God can use you in either role.  Begin with small venture and watch God multiply your outreach.  God to him for direction and counsel.  Seek his will,  Remember: "You can't walk on the water if you don't get out of the boat."

Thought for the Day: Jesus is the perfect leader to follow.