I ran across a book that I had read years ago by Charles Sheldon. It is called “In His Steps”. It is a novel about a church many decades ago, through some events taking place, deciding to ask the question “What would Jesus do?” before they make any decision or take any action. The book described the incredible change in the church and in the community because people wanted their lives to match up with the Jesus of the Bible. It is based on
1 Peter 2:21 which says at the end “…that you should follow in His footsteps.” This led to the whole WWJD movement…What Would Jesus Do? It is a great book and worth your time to go through. And to ask the question “What would Jesus Do?” is awesome. But…that’s not all that the verse says. It reads like this… “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps…” We are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus but did you catch that Jesus gave us an example through his suffering? This Jesus suffered for us…in his ministry and on the cross. He was harassed, misunderstood, threatened, accused, betrayed and eventually crucified for the sins of the world…a world that for the most part didn’t care then and doesn’t care now. And his response to this is forgiveness and love. We need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, but he warned us that it would be costly. Because going against the crowd never makes you popular and if we are going to follow Jesus we will answer with truth, surrounded with love and forgiveness. Is it easy? No. But is it worth it? He says that it is now and will be forever. So look for ways to imitate Jesus, but remember that at some point suffering will be involved. And when you do, you will be right in the footsteps of this Jesus who loves you most and loves you forever. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
1 Peter 2:21 BSB For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
1 Peter 2:21 which says at the end “…that you should follow in His footsteps.” This led to the whole WWJD movement…What Would Jesus Do? It is a great book and worth your time to go through. And to ask the question “What would Jesus Do?” is awesome. But…that’s not all that the verse says. It reads like this… “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps…” We are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus but did you catch that Jesus gave us an example through his suffering? This Jesus suffered for us…in his ministry and on the cross. He was harassed, misunderstood, threatened, accused, betrayed and eventually crucified for the sins of the world…a world that for the most part didn’t care then and doesn’t care now. And his response to this is forgiveness and love. We need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, but he warned us that it would be costly. Because going against the crowd never makes you popular and if we are going to follow Jesus we will answer with truth, surrounded with love and forgiveness. Is it easy? No. But is it worth it? He says that it is now and will be forever. So look for ways to imitate Jesus, but remember that at some point suffering will be involved. And when you do, you will be right in the footsteps of this Jesus who loves you most and loves you forever. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
1 Peter 2:21 BSB For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ