Holy Week Thursday: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus

This is a song about surrender - one of the hardest things we are called to do.  We find safety in control, in being able to decide what happens, predict outcomes.  Following Jesus means giving those things up.  If I had been sitting by the water fishing one morning, and a man passed me and told me to drop my nets and follow him - what would I do?  I have job security, I'm making a living, and this man just wants me to leave it behind?

The choice to follow Jesus is a radical decision.  I used to think that if I was asked to give my testimony that it would bore people - no one would care.  I was born into a family that shared Christ's love with me from the day they brought me home.  I watched a lot of Veggie Tales, went to Church Camp...but because Christ is part of my story, because God has penned by story, it is worthy of telling.  Everyone will come with a different story.  When God has the pen in hand, there is no story that is not worth telling. 

Though none go with me, I still will follow

There are times when we will feel like we are walking alone.  There are times where we will feel like we don't have any support.  There will be some days when you turn around, like Forrest Gump, and realize that half of America is walking with you.  There will be other days when that is not the case.  But you are never alone on the Journey.  God has made the promise to walk it with you.

The cross before me, the world behind me

When we get up and follow Christ, we are headed toward a marvelous light.  We are headed toward a strong and steadfast cross that symbolizes the sacrifice and the promise that was made for us.  The cross is a representation of another home.  A home that God has prepared for us.  As we get closer and closer to the cross the world starts to fade behind us.  It is God's lighthouse, beckoning us home.

~SP