Who are you following today?

In 2 Samuel 20, we read about the rebellion of Sheba, the son of Bichri. David was quite old by this time and he had lost faith in Joab's leadership and had selected Amasa son of Jether to take Joab's place.  David sent Abishai, the brother of Joab to handle that crisis that grew out of the rebellion of Sheba.  But David had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab at that time.  Joab was jealous of Amasa and was angry with David and killed Amasa out of selfish interest. While the men were going after Sheba, Amasa was wallowing in his blood. One of Joab's men stood near Amasa, and said, "… …  whoever is for David—follow Joab!" (2 Samuel 20:11). But  Joab was not for David at this time in history!

Sometimes we follow people thinking we are following the Lord Jesus.  Out of selfish interest, people make us believe that by following their teaching, we are following God!  But, that is not true.  If we truly want to follow the Lord Jesus, we have to follow only the Bible.  To follow Jesus, we do not have to follow a political leader or support a political party. To follow Jesus, we do not have to follow a preacher, a pastor, or some self-proclaimed prophet!  To follow Jesus, we have to follow only the precepts of the Bible.  We have to test the life, lifestyles, words, and values of those who claim to follow Christ against the teachings and the values of the Bible! There is an incident recorded in the Bible about the Man of God from Judah in 1 Kings chapter 13. The Man of God was given a specific task by God and instructed to return to Judah without eating or drinking in Israel.  Another prophet from Bethel deceitfully enticed him and he disobeyed the Lord's command. So he met with a gruesome end!  People will always try to influence us for their personal and political gain! That is why Paul, while writing to the Galatian Church says, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal 1:8).

My friend, who are you following today? Are you trying to follow a leader or the infallible Word of God?  This New Year let us decide to follow the Lord Jesus with all our heart and mind by obeying His Word!

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