Follow Me
Is it really so hard to understand?

   "I've rented a couple of vans and we need to pick them up today," Tim explained to Troy and Bob. The topic of discussion on the way to pick up the vans focused on the quickest route back. All three men were sure they knew the "best" route for the return trip.
     After getting the vans, Tim's instructions to the other men were simple, "follow me!" When Tim and Bob arrived back home, Troy was nowhere to be found. What had gone wrong? The instructions were not complicated and the route home was familiar to Troy.  
     Finally, Troy arrived. "Where have you been?", Tim asked. "I thought I'd take the fastest route home," Troy replied. "Troy," Tim responded, "which word didn't you understand, follow or me?"
    What an interesting question. Understanding the word "me" couldn't have been the problem. It's a word everyone understands. It must have been the word "follow" that caused Troy the problem. Webster defines follow: "to come or go after, to take as a model; act in accordance with; imitate, to accept the authority of; to support or advocate the ideas and opinions." He goes on to define follower as "person who follows another's beliefs or teachings; disciple."
     Obviously, Troy's problem wasn't understanding the words "follow me." The truth of the matter is that the problem started when Troy decide he had a better idea! Many Christians are like Troy when it comes to following Jesus. They have a better idea!
     The word "follow" is a familiar word to us. We often sing it. "Follow! Follow! I would follow Jesus! Any where, everywhere, I would follow on!" or "Jesus calls me, I must follow, Follow Him today...Follow, I will follow Thee, my Lord, Follow every passing day; My tomorrows are all known to Thee, Thou wilt lead me all the way."
     We memorize verses like, "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
     Isn't it exciting when we read in the Bible how the Lord Jesus called Matthew? He simply said, "Follow me." Matthew's response was as exciting. "... he arose, and followed him." (Matthew 9:9) 
     The questions is, "What affect do these two words have on your life?" Are you following the Lord as Matthew did or do you have a better idea?

     Mabel R. Flatt (Reprinted from Keystone Baptist)