[221]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - FOLLOW ME – I’LL DO THE REST

Some of us find it hard to follow. We like to give orders and tell people what to do. However to be subservient and obey, and follow, is irksome to some of us. Early in Jesus’ ministry He walked by the sea and we have this –

{{Mark 1:16-18 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea for they were fishermen, and Jesus said to them, “FOLLOW ME, and I will make you become fishers of men,” and they immediately left the nets and followed Him.}}

That was obedience and is pleasing to God. Men will follow anything except God. They don’t want to be tied to this religion stuff. That is the natural man whose heart is dark and unconverted.

However for a Christian, obedience ought to be normal but often it is not. Too often we resist and want to do things our own way and fulfil our own desires. That is not God’s way. There used to be an expression, a simple one nevertheless which was, “Let go and let God.” I suppose what was meant by it, is stop pulling against God and draw close to Him, not away.

The title of this poem means that we follow and don’t sit down to draw up the master plan. The Lord has that but all that is required of us is to follow on, not try to lead the Lord! Too many want to take control. We just follow and the Lord does the rest. There is a word for that and it is FAITH. Faith clings, not controls.

Later on the Lord taught this – {{Mark 8:34-35 He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross AND FOLLOW ME, for whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s shall save it”}}

Following the Lord meant the following –

1. Denying oneself.

2. Taking up your cross.

3. Then following Christ, even to death.

I use the shepherd image in this poem. These verses are very applicable – {{Psalm 23:2-3 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. HE LEADS ME beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. HE GUIDES ME in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”}}

Yes, He leads me and guides me. All I need to do is follow on - just follow! The Lord will do the rest!

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FOLLOW ME – I’LL DO THE REST

To battle hard against besetting ills

Is the position we find ourselves in.

Too often we fight our way up steep hills,

While we try to avoid defeat by sin.

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We have a foe who is always enraged.

His purpose: to discourage our progress.

His vile intent - to keep us engaged,

To slip us up so we will transgress.

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Defeat and failure is not God’s desire,

But we go our own way nevertheless.

We muddle along and work ‘till we tire.

Is this what it’s all about – all this mess?

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By faith we know a better way ahead

Where our failing strength is not our defeat.

Connections must link with the Lord instead,

In Him, not us, found at the mercy seat.

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I am a frail creature of creation,

But that is no excuse for my failing.

God has provided in His salvation,

And gives me such help when I am ailing.

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When Jesus said to His own, “Follow Me,”

He equipped them with all they would need.

They followed Christ daily, and they would see,

That in every matter, Christ is to lead.

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Picture the shepherd with his flock of sheep –

He drives not the sheep, but leads them with care.

They learn to follow, for His, He will keep;

And aid them, their light affliction to bear.

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Follow, follow the Lord. He does the rest!

Through earth’s dangers He is faithful always.

He’s your Shepherd with you in ev’ry test,

And in deep trouble, through the pain, He stays.

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Let Him take control, and don’t fight the Lord.

Put your faith in His promises to stand.

His provided peace will be your reward.

Over you, and under you is His hand.

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He will do the rest, for His word is true.

The mighty God is there to assist.

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

Please follow your Lord and do not resist.

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25 March 2025 Ronald Ferguson 10 throughout ABAB