From the Shepherd’s Heart: Commit to follow Jesus, wherever He leads

Published 11:00 am Thursday, February 14, 2019

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

Within this scripture is a statement I wish I could change. “Where I am, there will my servant be also.” How I wish it said, “Where my servant is, there I will be also.” Just think how much more like us that sounds! My version implies that as the Lord’s servant, I can go anywhere and do anything, and the Lord will always be with me. My version implies that I set the conditions of service and the limits of costs. My version suggests that the Lord will bless any effort and correct any mistakes. My version implies I am in authority and the Lord is my support.

But my version is not what the Bible says! The Bible records Jesus saying, “Where I am, there will my servant be also.” When said, Jesus was headed to Calvary! Jesus was to be crucified and die. This is not what the disciples wanted. They preferred large crowds seeking blessings that cost little. They liked feeding people and healing people with nice teachings that encouraged everyone to love each other.

In this correct statement, Jesus implies that the servant must be willing to pay a similar price as He will, if the follower is to enjoy the honor Christ will have in Heaven. As Jesus is willing to give all in order to fulfill his mission, so should true disciples that wish to know the blessing of Jesus’ presence in the future.

Jesus will be glorified through death. So also, will the followers of Jesus be glorified as they aim for their own cross and own price to pay. If we follow Jesus, we aim toward the cross. If we join Jesus, we are willing to lose anything and everything for the joy of knowing the Lord is with us.

In a day and age when we wish to have a quick blessing that costs us little, let us accept the privilege and calling Jesus gives to us. The privilege is to have a fellowship with Jesus that most will never know. The responsibility is to relinquish all our priorities and preferences for the sake of following Jesus wherever He goes, even if it is to the grave. When we commit to join the Lord anywhere, we will finally know the fellowship with Him for which we yearn.

Bro. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdbc.org. From the Shepherd’s Heart is published Fridays in The Meridian Star.