Whom Are You Following?

Daily Devotional – Sunday, August 27, 2023
…They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
Revelation 14:4 (NKJV)

One of the visions John receives and records on the Island of Patmos is that of the symbolic 144,000 people standing on Mount Zion with Jesus, the Lamb of God. Among the characteristics of this victorious, happy group is that “They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” (Revelation 14:4).

In the Footsteps of Christ

The joy this group exhibits may obscure the tribulations these followers of Jesus have undergone. Following Jesus wherever He goes comes at a heavy cost, especially persecution, imprisonment and death. These heroes of faith, though, chose to the path of self-denial in gratitude to the Man who took their death that they might live His life.

Walking in the bloodstained footprints of Jesus implies denying oneself and carrying one’s cross. It means foregoing enticing pleasures of life and at times cutting off links with close friends who have chosen the path of rebellion. Often, family and society ostracize the followers of Christ for walking on the straight and narrow path.

I Will Walk Behind You

Is it all gloom? No. Jesus does not just walk ahead of His sheep; He provides them with the necessities of life and protects them along the way. Christ goes through the trials with His followers and encourages them. More importantly, because He went through trials and death, He understands the situations of His followers and supports them in their tribulations.

James L. Elginburg must have been reflecting on this wonderful relationship between Jesus and His followers when he wrote the famous Hymn, “I Will Follow Thee”. May the lyrics of this amazing song become your experience and motivate you to follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

I Will Follow Thee

I will follow Thee, my Savior,
Wheresoe’er my lot may be.
Where thou goest I will follow;
Yes, my Lord, I’ll follow Thee.

Refrain
I will follow Thee, my Saviour,
Thou didst shed Thy blood for me;
And though all men should forsake Thee;
By Thy grace I’ll follow Thee.

2
Though the road be rough and thorny,
Trackless as the foaming sea,
Thou hast trod this way before me,
And I’ll gladly follow Thee.

3
Though I meet with tribulations,
Sorely tempted though I be;
I remember Thou wast tempted,
And rejoice to follow Thee.

4
Though Thou leadest me through affliction,
Poor, forsaken though I be;
Thou wast destitute, afflicted,
And I only follow Thee.

5
Though to Jordan’s rolling billows,
Cold and deep, Thou leadest me,
Thou hast crossed the waves before me,
And I still will follow Thee.

Prayer
I will follow thee, my Saviour, wherever you lead me.