Following Jesus isn't just a condition of believing,
it's a state of devotion.
The more stories I've read about Jesus speaking to the masses, I've noticed something.
Even though certain people would get offended and leave, He did not change His beliefs nor His delivery. Jesus knew the implications of becoming a believer, and He didn't try to sugar coat it. He knew that it would require a high level of dedication- that it would mean laying down your life for the sake of the message of the Cross. It's an 'all or nothing pursuit'.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." -Matthew 16:24
No matter what we encounter on our journey with Jesus, nothing should be able to separate us from following Him if our hearts are truly devoted.
We should follow at a distance where we are right behind Him. Close enough to hear what He is saying and His direction, but not ahead of Him. We should neither follow at the distance where our relationship with Him is questionable and impersonal.
TODAY:
Lets ask ourselves.
Are we just believers or are we following Jesus?
