BIBLE STUDY
Follow me! Major Andrew Vertigan wonders what our response is to Jesus’ invitation JOHN 21:15–22
O
UR study passage is one that has hounded me throughout my ministry. Let me explain. It would be fair to say I wrestled with William Booth College and my training experience. I knew I was called to follow the leading of Christ, but boy did I struggle with the college experience. When I was challenging what I saw and experienced, someone regularly quoted this passage to me. ‘Don’t worry about them,’ he would say. ‘Follow him!’ How I grappled with what this person repeatedly told me. I thought: ‘How dare he! Can’t he see what those others are doing?’ It is easier to look at others than it is to examine your own heart and motivations, but we are called to follow the example of Christ (see v22).
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Freda Benneyworth
16
Salvationist 25 April 2020
‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus declared to the first disciples (Matthew 4:19). What an outrageous statement to make! Many were waiting for a messiah – we are told that many had heard people profess they were the messiah, even that they were to be the saviour. So what made Jesus’ statement so compelling to respond to? Jesus declared in his words not so much a set of rules or principles but a calling to follow a person. He said: ‘Come, follow me.’ His statement was not only provocative but also could be seen, and indeed was seen by some, as revolutionary. Jesus’ words were powerful, even though his actions spoke far louder. I often quote a saying that some attribute to St Francis of Assisi and that I think Jesus truly embodied: ‘Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.’
QUESTIONS O Who are you following? O Is anyone following you? As I write this, I have been made aware once again of the power of words, particularly in relation to social media, where they can affirm or destroy in one fell swoop. So many people, especially young adults, appear to build their identity and success by the number of social media followers they have. It seems the more outrageous or outspoken you can be, the more likely you are to have people follow you. At the heart of humanity is a deep desire to be part of the crowd, accepted and befriended by others. Social media is certainly being used in some positive, but also some destructive, ways. I’ve found myself ‘unfollowing’ some people, because I did not like what I read or saw being demonstrated through their words or lives.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Will you come and follow me/ If I but call your name?/ Will you go where you don’t know/ And never be the same?/ Will you let my love be shown,/ Will you let my name be known,/ Will you let my life be grown/ In you and you in me? (SASB 695)
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16–18)
In simple trust like theirs who heard,/ Beside the Syrian sea,/ The gracious calling of the Lord,/ Let us, like them, without a word/ Rise up and follow thee. (SASB 456)
Prayer Loving Lord, what courage we see in those first disciples! Grant us the courage to respond to your call and move on to the new and amazing things you have planned for us.
