Follow the Leader

I have two dogs, a pit bull named Frankie and a German shepherd named Tillie. My husband and I often joke that I am unable to go anywhere in the house without them following me. If I close a door before they can go in with me, they feel dejected and sad until I come back into the room and they can be close to me once more.

If I must leave, they have to have treats, and then they watch for me until I get back home. At bedtime they have to have their “nigh-nigh” treats and dance about until they get them. They have even influenced our older cat, Pogo, who thinks he is a dog, and now he insists on his own “nigh-nigh” treats. Having them follow me everywhere, though comical, can sometimes be annoying, especially when I make a sudden change in direction and trip over one of them. Pogo wants to be close to me anytime I sit down.

Right now, he is lying on my lapboard and against my left arm as I try to type. These animals love me, and they know I love them; that is why they follow me everywhere. Revelation tells of God’s people following the Lamb wherever He goes.

The reason is that they love Him and want to be as close to Him as possible. When Jesus asked the disciples to follow Him, they did not hesitate.

They left jobs and families to follow Jesus wherever He led. Their love grew so deep and strong, even when they suffered terrible persecution for following Him. Their love was unselfish, and they worked hard to draw others into the circle of Jesus’ love.

I am drawn toward admiring those who have the gift of leadership, especially when I believe they are honest, sincere, and going in the direction where I want to go. There is no better leader in the universe than Jesus. He will never lead His followers in the wrong direction. He will never become annoyed because you or I follow too closely.

We need to remain close. He never promised His followers a trouble-free life. Rather, He said the opposite. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV). Let us be faithful in keeping our eyes on Jesus and follow wherever He leads. He will never lead us astray, and one day soon He will lead us home.

Mona Fellows