Follow In His Footsteps – Part 1
October 13, 2024
He called his first disciples with this command: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
Later on after Jesus was resurrected, He repeated the same thing to Peter: “Follow Me” (John 21:19)
It was an invitation to: Follow In His Footsteps.
OPENING SCRIPTURE:
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should FOLLOW HIS STEPS (1 Peter 2:21 NKJ)
Follow in His Footsteps: A commitment to imitate Him in every way. You talk like and you walk like Him.
Following in His Steps is more about walking than talking.
Your story is defined by the steps you have taken along the way and less by the speeches you make.
Being a follower of Christ is more than just saying the right words. The test of a true follower of Christ comes in our everyday walk with Jesus.
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him DENY HIMSELF, and TAKE UP HIS CROSS, and FOLLOW ME. (Matthew 16:24 NKJ)
Many people misinterpret the “cross” as some burden, they must carry in their lives: a strained or broken relationship, a sickness that they endure.
1. Deny Himself: Die to self daily. Absolute surrender
2. Take Up His Cross: The words “Take up” here really matter. They speak to your willingness to sacrifice everything to preserve that relationship with Jesus.
3. Follow Him: imitate Him. Not just talk like Him but also walk like Him.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In
each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were
two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.
During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of
footprints, so I said, “You promised me, Lord, that you would
walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most,
have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set
of footprints, my child, is when I CARRIED YOU.”
• Following in the footsteps of Jesus does not mean that you will not face adversity, pain, rejection.
• Those are the times when you look back and you see only one set of footprints. Those are the times, when Jesus Himself is carrying you!
CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?
Leave a Reply