For the Followers 🐑
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We live in a "follow me!" culture. There are countless people and brands and messages calling out for our attention and devotion. We follow various celebrities and ministries and influencers — all virtual strangers — online. Today the idea of "follow" comes off as casual, perhaps even passive. Click "follow" or "like" and then move on with my own daily agenda. Read this. Watch that. Enjoy. Then forget. I wonder if this mindset has seeped into the way we approach Christianity? I've been reading the gospel of Mark recently, and one word kept jumping out at me: follow. As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. (Mark 2:14 NASB95) Jesus wasn't asking a question; he was uttering a command. He was calling a certain man, right in the middle of his regular workday. Levi could have said "no" or "let's wait until tomorrow." He could have hesitated and asked a few follow-up questions. Instead, he simply stood up and, through his action, said "yes." The word for "follow" in the Greek is akoloutheō (Strong's G190). It's a compound of alpha (in the sense of union) and keleuthos (a road). It means "to be in the same way with" and "to join one as a disciple." I love how this word study sheds deeper insight. It shows that "follow" is NOT a casual call. It's compelling. It speaks of union, commitment, and close proximity. Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, points to Jesus. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). Jesus is also the way, the very (and only) road that leads to life (John 14:6). And get this! The name Levi (of Hebrew origin) means "joined to." His own name revealed his destiny: a disciple, joined to Jesus. "Follow" is also personal. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3 NIV) Just like Levi, Jesus sees you and calls your name. He knows your past and your path. He knows exactly where to find you. He's the Good Shepherd, worthy of following with your whole heart. Later the apostle Paul gives a similar charge to the church in Corinth: "Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). The word for follow here refers to being an imitator — to follow someone's example. Paul was encouraging his spiritual children that his way of life in Christ was worthy of imitation. Apart from union with Jesus, whatever we do has no true, eternal value (John 15:5). We will wander towards trouble, like sheep sans their shepherd. Worse, we could influence others in the wrong direction. Yet Jesus keeps calling and seeking and saving the lost. Hallelujah! Have you responded to your Shepherd's call? No matter where you find yourself today, I'm here to plant a signpost: You know the way. More importantly, he knows you, even better than you do. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. (John 10:5 NIV) It might be wise for us all to unplug for a few days and do a "follow audit" ... What voices am I following, online and in my real life? Who am I imitating? Who am I influencing? Am I living my Sunday through Saturday life in union with Christ? It might also be fun to do a name study! Ask the Lord about your name and do some research on its meaning. God hasn't changed his mind about you, your gifts, and your calling. Hear your Shepherd's voice today: "Follow Me!" From a fellow follower, Chelsea P.S. I'd love to hear what your name means and how it relates to your God-given identity and calling. Reply and let me know. P.P.S. I created this journaling resource last summer, and I've been going through it again as I've been "unplugging" recently. It's helping me break out of my routine and hear from God in fresh ways. Check it out!
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