Following The Leader

I have an entire collection of Walt Disney classic movies on VHS videotape that either I purchased or were given to me as gifts. All my children and grandchildren have enjoyed watching them over the years. But technology changes, and a VHS player has become obsolete. Today, there is a variety of ways to watch old classics, so I am in the process of getting rid of some of these old cassette tapes.

The other day, I decided to watch Peter Pan before putting the tape into the bag with the others. There is a part in the movie where the Lost Boys are singing the following song:

Following the leader, the leader, the leader,
We're following the leader wherever he may go.
       – Oliver Wallace, Ted Sears, and Winston Hibler

This made me question, Who am I following?

In today's society, there are hundreds of voices on the television and the Internet that scream out, "Follow me!" They promise weight loss if we wear this or take that pill. There are gadgets that stop pain or perform many other so-called miracles, if we only follow the advertiser's commands. I admit that I'm one of those gullible people who has given in to the demands of some of these advertisements on the television.

Christians profess to be followers of Jesus, their Leader, their Saviour, their Helper, and their Shepherd.

We are sheep.

Matthew 9:36 – And what pity He felt for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know what to do or where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. (TLB)

The Shepherd is Jesus.

John 10:11 – I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (TLB)

The sheep follow the shepherd.

John 10:27 – My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (TLB)

Sometimes, when we give in to false promises or we go astray, Jesus promises to leave the other ninety-nine sheep in order to bring us back into His fold.

Matthew 12:11-12a – This was his answer: "If you had just one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, would you work to rescue it that day? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!" (TLB)

Who are you following?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Shepherd of our souls and minds, direct our paths, and be with us as we discern the real from the unreal. Forgive our straying and our listening to empty promises. Help us to follow You in mind, body, and spirit. Amen.

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