Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow me continually. (Matthew 16:24) NIV
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. (John 6:66-67) NIV
This is a poor comparison … a VERY poor comparison and I know it, but it drove home a point for me.
I use an internet program called Twitter. Twitter, if you are not aware of what it is, is a bit difficult to describe. You get a scrolling montage of messages from other folks that you choose to “follow.” It seems very prestigious to have monumental numbers of followers. (Never mind that it is impossible to read every single tweet [message] from everyone you follow.)
It’s easy to get caught up in Twitterland. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissing Twitter at all. I love it. I’ve met folks who have the same political bent I have. I’ve met a great bunch of Christians. I’ve met fellow writers and writer wannabe’s (like me). I’ve met many great folks. But, if people don’t like what you have to say, they can “unfollow” you. There are programs that notify you if this happens: who has “unfollowed” you – but you never really know why.
Today I got a message that three folks had chosen not to follow me anymore. I have to admit it is a ding to the ego to see a message saying “so-and-so” has just unfollowed you. It probably shouldn’t – but it does hurt a tad, if I am to be completely honest.
Now, you might be saying “why in the world are you talking about this?” The reason is simple. I wonder how God felt – Jesus – when the folks who had been following Him, turned away: When He had to ask His disciples, “You are not going to leave me also?” I wonder what was in His heart. Was He grieving for their hearts, that they were not able to see what and who He was?
Today, it seems many have decided to unfollow Christ. At times, I think our nation as a whole has decided to do just that. I look at what is legal, and politically correct and moral now and I am ashamed of this country.
I can only imagine the sorrow it causes our Lord, when we click, “Unfollow.”
Lord God, I pray that you grant us the determination, the endurance to walk after you, even when things get rough – physically, emotionally, or in any other manner. May we daily pick up the cross you have given us … and follow.
Amen and Amen. So be it, Lord.
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