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Notes:

THESE ARE THEY WHICH FOLLOW THE LAMB WITHERSOEVER HE GOEST

(Revelation 14:4)

Elijah said to the crowd at Mount Carmel, “If the Lord be God, follow Him” (1 Ki 18:21). Following comes down to humility, trust and acknowledgement. Once it is determined who is Lord; who is God – then it has been determined who has the lead.

Following is different than directing. When directed, the word is given and the leave to go accomplish the work. When led, they take no steps except those in the places where the leader has gone. They follow in his footsteps. “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (Jn 12:26).

Following the Lamb is not to be taken lightly. Essentially, men must forsake control and ownership of their will, comfort, desires, and body.

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, ‘Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.’ And Jesus said unto him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.’ And he said unto another, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.’ Jesus said unto him, ‘Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.’ And another also said, ‘Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.’ And Jesus said unto him, ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

(Luke 9:57-62)

Jesus said to others.

…“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24). All personal preferences would have to be abandoned and replaced by “nevertheless, Thy will be done.”

“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Mt 19:21).

…“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). Their work would be of a higher order.

The truth of the Shepherd is this: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). Jesus’ sheep will not follow another but will flee from others. And when He gives them other shepherds, those shepherds are tasked with feeding the flock and they themselves with following the Good Shepherd. They never become a replacement. They are never left to follow their own spirits.

Following the Lord is about intimate fellowship with Him and being aware of His leading and will in all things. It involves patient waiting upon Him before you speak, move, and live. Ezekiel spoke for God saying, “Woe unto the foolish prophets that follow their own spirit and have seen nothing” (Ezek 13:3). These are they which would declare the direction to others as though the Lord has led them but alas, they were led by their own whims.

Jesus made it very clear to Peter that it was Peter’s task to follow Jesus and not worry about John. It was also John’s task to follow Jesus. See John 21:15-22