A story is told of a father and son driving down a lonely road as a blinding snow storm begins to fall, unable to see the father pulls to the side of the road there he sees off in the distance the lights of a farmhouse. The warm feeling of seeing the beacon of hope in the distance is overcome by the realization of the task to be accomplished, so he turns to his son and says, “there’s no use going on and we need to cross the field to the house lying just beyond the field and I’m afraid the snows getting deep and I can’t carry you…” The man’s young son takes his fathers hand and proclaims with a smile, “It will be okay daddy, if I can just walk in your footsteps, I’ll find my way.”
Step by step they make their way to the farmhouse finding help, and warmth within. As his son drank hot chocolate at the table of a stranger a payer sprang from the heart of the father to his Heavenly Father. “Father I know many trials are to still come my son’s way and I pray that you will help me walk in your footsteps so he can find his way and never lose sight of the hope that found only in you.
Solomon declared in Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Experience is the best trainer and it is through the experiences our children have in our “footsteps” that will prepare them for what lie ahead of them through out the rest of their lives.
As our scripture reading suggests – taking into consideration all that Christ has done we must strive to daily – “follow His steps”. (1 Ptr. 2:21)
Tonight I’m not promising to reveal some profound news – but after our lesson last Sunday evening about Jesus’ sacrifice and those beneath the cross I began to think about what “cost” was involved with the early church.
I found myself looking at Luke 9 and I saw everything we need to follow in His steps – Jesus begins by saying, “if anyone desires to follow after Me…”
There’s one thing determines our success of failure in anything we do. That lies with our desire.
If we feel passionate about something – we do whatever is necessary to get it done. Good golfer – hunter – musician – visitor – prayrer – we have to have the desire “to perfect” our skills.
Peter said it like this - Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Ptr. 2:1-3)
The object of our affection get’s all our attention – restoring an old car – it’s still just a car – restoring a house –still a house, they all fade away.
Could you imagine if we had the same ambition in our service to God?
Desiring the pure truth that is found in every word we read in God’s word. Desiring what God offers makes the things of this world undesirable.
If we want our children to be solidly rooted and established in God’s word they must see us taking time to study it.
If our desire is to have children who treat people well and conduct their affairs in a Christian manner – dishonesty can never be seen in us.
We must hold on to our “Godly” desire – keeping the longing fresh – staying near to those things that will help us as we strive to “walk in His steps”.
James the brother of Jesus warns us in James 1:14-16
As James urges – don’t be deceived – watch, and keep guard and hold on to that which is GOOD.
Following our desire – we must then be willing to deny our own ability to direct our own path.
Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”
Why can’t we just realize that? In everything we do in life we have to “follow” we have to “learn”.
Listen to Paul’s word’s in Titus 2:11-13
Our example has “appeared to all men” and it begins in “denying the ungodliness” being promoted around us.
Hand in hand – a continuing theme to the Christian life can be seen – the easy sinful nature must be denied to allow the wonderful hopes and blessings from God to flood our lives with peace and joy.
You see, God doesn’t want us to not have fun in life – listen to the words of John in I John 1:3-5
The lessons we find in God’s word – the scripture written has been provided for - our joy.
Doesn’t doing good for others bring you greater JOY than receiving? Doesn’t it give you a sense of “HAPPINESS” to be able to bless others – in the small ways (a kind word – sending a card – just in smiling).
Joy found in being with those who share the same hope – peace – and faith: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thes. 2:19-20
Not only do we need to have the DESIRE to FOLLOW and DENY our own ABILTY to direct our steps and be willing to DIE. Again Luke 9:23 is our key:
“…anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Not necessarily a physical death. Although it was something many early Christians had to face – it’s something Christians still face – but that is not the death Jesus spoke of.
As our bible bowl class studied for the bible bowl we talked about ways in which we lose our salt.
A warning Jesus gave us – if we stray away from his footsteps and wander away and stay away – begin to live as the world lives – do we have much spiritual clout? Not at all.
We lose our salt – that’s why Jesus requires that we “take up” our “cross”.
Taking up our cross doesn’t mean carrying a sack of burdensome “woes” through life – everyone who ever took up a cross it was for one reason.
TO DIE on IT. I leave you with two passages of scripture: Eph. 4:17 Eph. 5:1
May we never lose sight of our calling, no longer walking as the rest of the “world” walks, always imitating our Father .
This week may each of us look for the opportunities to make God shaped footprints for those who might be walking behind us!
