What Does It Mean To Follow Jesus

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a single episode. Sometimes we trust people better than we do Jesus. Jesus says "Follow Me." This command isn't just for people in the Bible. It's for us too. 1 Peter 2:21 NLT For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. How can I follow Jesus if I can't see Him? Matt 16:24 NLT Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. There are numerous things we see in Jesus example… Suffering is the one He listed here . But His example also includes His Love Knowledge of Scripture Prayer Life Miracles John 14:12 NLT "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. I want to give you a reminder to put in a 5X7 frame in your house. See the link below. And why was going to the Father so significant?   Following God had been the real question Israel faced 40 years prior to the event in Joshua 3. Joshua 3:2 NIV After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3giving orders to the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits (about ½ mile) between you and the ark; do not go near it." God was saying "Follow the ark." Why was that so important? They had never been that way before. Follow the ark is a picture of following Jesus. Obey Him at a new level. Go deeper. Grow your faith. Who do you need to witness to? Who do you need to have over for dinner to encourage them? What is your step of obedience! What was so special about the Ark? I am so glad you asked that question…you did ask, didn't you? It's a picture of Jesus. It helps us know Jesus better! Hebrews 9:1NLT That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. 2There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. 3Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. 4In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron's staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark's cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.   How is the Ark of the Covenant a picture of Jesus? The Ark was made of wood Overlaid with gold- Jesus- fully God and fully man Lid of the Ark of the Covenant Pure gold. The gold represented God. Only God can redeem us. We call it the Mercy Seat. That name comes from the word comes "khapporet" which simply means to make atonement, restitution or amends. Blood on the lid once a year. The atonement- Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:14-15) Covering- the blood of animals could not cleanse sin, it could only cover it. Jesus, the lamb of God gave His life to cleanse us from sin completely. Meeting place Moses met with God and God talked to him from the Ark. (Exodus 25:22) God wants to meet with you. Talk to you.   Inside the Ark Laws of God- His covenant with believers that was fulfilled in Christ Pot of Manna- Provision Aaron's rod that budded- Spiritual Authority Follow the ark When the Israelites were instructed to follow the ark they were following more than ideology, they were following God. They were following the picture of a promise that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Follow Jesus. He is both the atonement and the High Priest of the atonement. He is the final authority. He satisfied the covenant so you can enjoy the benefits of that covenant. Obedience is not like a buffet where you can pick and choose. Even when His ways seem hard, follow Jesus. You not following Jesus if you are doing things YOUR way. You can't follow Jesus running ahead of Him. I want to give you a free reminder. I like to have reminders in my home and on my phone that help me remember truths that are important to me. I made two simple reminders for you that simply say "Follow Jesus" that will fit in a 5X7 frame that you can put beside your bed or wherever you will see it to remind you during your day. When you see the reminder, ask yourself, "Did I follow Jesus today?"  In my choices? attitudes?  with my time? with my talents?    I encourage you to change your reminder when you need a different one. Free Reminder- Follow Jesus Tree Background- http://traffic.libsyn.com/preview/patriciaholland/follow-Jesus-trees-5-7.jpg White Background- http://traffic.libsyn.com/preview/patriciaholland/remember-follow-jesus.jpg