Follow Me

Jesus hated dead religion.  When He came to the World, the World received Him not.  Not only did they not receive Him, the hated Him and killed Him.  The religious institution of His time was the Pharisee's.  They were the 'experts' on the Holy Scriptures.  They were the pastors and theologians.  Yet, they searched the scriptures and still did not recognize the Messiah walking in their midst.  Not only did they not recognize Him, they were so far off, they hated Him and killed Him.  "He came onto His own and His own received Him not".  What a paradox.  Jesus brought a simple message of "forgive and you will be forgiven".  Jesus said simply "follow me".  Jesus said all the laws and all the commandments are wrapped up in these two things, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself".  The Pharisee's made following God a heavy burden.  Jesus said "my burden is light".  The Pharisee's were happy to execute judgement on the women caught in adultry, Jesus had mercy.  We can be glad that we serve a loving Lord.  We can be happy that we serve a forgiving God.  He loves you!  He "came to save", not to judge.  Jesus forgives you and loves you just as you are right now.  Right at this minute, He accepts you as you are and welcomes you into His family.  All you have to do is "follow me", follow the Lord Jesus Christ.  Once you come into His family He will never kick you out. 

Jesus said "I only do what the Father shows me to do" and "I only say what I hear Him say".  He was and is a direct representation of who God is.  When you think of God, think of Jesus.   He came to explain the scriptures and to show who God is.  Do not think of that picture of a giant and mean God in Heaven.  Be thankful that when we wonder what God is like that we can look at Jesus, loving, forgiving, accepting, healing, protecting, against dead religion, for reconciliation and an eternal friendship.  Jesus said "I came to do what the Father told me to do" and now we are to continue that.  Now, we say what we 'hear Jesus saying' (what He said) and we follow Him, and his example.

Lets make sure we are following the example of Jesus and not the Pharisee's.  Lets enjoy this day that the Lord has made.  Lets lift our hands to heaven and thank Him for being who He is.  He loves you.  He loves you right now just as you are.  If you love Him and want to follow Him, tell Him that right now.  Start to follow Him today.  Find a local Chrisitian Church for Christian friendships.  Pray for God to help guide you and bring people into your life who will help you to follow Him and start living your life as Jesus did.