by Richelle Hecker

Knowing whom to follow.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 New American Standard Bible 

It takes wisdom to be a good follower. A leader needs to know the best direction to take toward a destination. They need to have the skills to orient a group, anticipate trouble ahead, and respond well to emergency situations. A follower must choose their leader carefully. It could affect whether a task gets accomplished, your team wins, or your time is used efficiently. It can even determine the difference between life and death.

A wise follower discerns who is trustworthy. There are plenty of people willing to take on a leadership role who are not ready for the task at hand. Some mean well, but lack the needed intelligence or self-awareness.  Many are prideful, arrogant, and self-serving. It takes time, and research, to find a great leader who is willing to sacrifice their own priorities for the sake of the whole.

I enjoy hiking here in Colorado. There are trails everywhere. Some are well marked while others are difficult to recognize. It is easy to follow a seemingly well worn path only to discover that it leads to nowhere. It is best to be with someone who knows a trail well, and who will not be led astray by false turns. Even when you know a path well, it is best not to follow it alone. The risk of running into wild animals, or injury, are real, and having others with you who know how to respond properly is paramount. I stay with those who know where to go and how to get there safely.

Jesus is a leader who we can trust and follow. Not only does He know the way we should go, He has gone there before us. He sacrificed His own life to make the way possible for us. We listen to His voice, because we know we can believe and trust Him with our lives. He knows us. He understands our needs, weaknesses and capabilities.

Beloved, sometimes the way ahead is scary. Follow Jesus there. He knows the way, and He cares for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado