CAPTION: “Christ Carrying the Cross” by El Greco (c. 1580) is a painting in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. (Public Domain)
By Charles Naylor
One day as Jesus was passing along the highway, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” (Luke 9:57). This man no doubt was greatly impressed by the wonderful works and noble character of Christ. He thought that companionship with such a man would be full of blessing and richness. Just to see and hear Jesus, would be worth any man’s time and effort — to hear the gracious words that came from His lips would enrich mind and heart — to see the mighty works done would inspire. To him it seemed to be one of the most desirable of all things.
Christ’s answer to him showed that following him might well mean something more than this man had ever considered. Jesus did not always lead through pleasant places. Whether this man followed Jesus we are not told, but following evidently meant more to him now than it had meant before.
There are many today who, like that man of old, say, “Lord, I will follow you,” with no clear idea of what it means. It was not hard to follow him when the multitude shouted, “Hosanna!” and threw palm-branches before him.
In the same way, it is easy for us to follow him today when his cause is popular, when people are proclaiming the truth of what we teach and approving of our service. It is no task to follow Jesus when it brings praise and admiration. It is no task to follow in the calm after his “Peace, be still,” on Gennesaret. Who would not follow gladly to the mount of transfiguration to behold his glory? But to follow him “wherever” means more than this.
It is our privilege to share in his glory, his triumph, and his exaltation; but if we have a part in these, as true followers, we must also follow him in his humiliation. When the world mocks him or his cause is unpopular, will we follow him?
Then comes the test whether we will follow him all the way.
On one occasion, after he had preached — the multitude forsook him and only the Twelve were steadfast. In these days many are offended at the Word. Are we willing to accept it all? Are we willing to listen to it all? Are we willing to obey it all? God wants “wherever” men and women to believe and obey the whole Word.
If we shrink from obedience to any part, we lack just that much of being “wherever” disciples. Christ allowed nothing to come between him and the fulfillment of God’s purpose.
In many lives the sole purpose is to please self — to follow out a course of our own choosing. The dominant purpose in the heart of a true follower is to do the will and work of the Father.
Christ sacrificed all — even his life. A “wherever” follower has the same spirit of sacrifice — he will not withhold himself nor that which is his. The early church rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer” for Christ.
Let us today look into our own hearts and see if we are animated by the same spirit. That spirit is a very different spirit from that which is seen in those who are offended by a word or a look, and who are ready to resent the slightest act that encroaches upon their rights.
How empty are the claims of many who profess to be real followers of Jesus. They follow where it pleases them — but as soon as something happens not to their liking, they are ready to draw back.
Christ had nowhere to lay his head. We have no record that he ever owned anything but the clothes he wore. A “wherever” follower is not ashamed of the poor. And if he himself is poor — then he is not ashamed of his poverty. But Christ was not always poor. We read that “he became poor.” He sacrificed — that others might be enriched. The same spirit of sacrifice will make us willing to sacrifice what we have, for the enrichment of others.
If there were more “wherevers” among us, we would not hear of a lack of funds to carry on the Lord’s work. Think of a stingy “wherever.” Can you imagine such a combination? Yet many professed followers fail in their duty to give to the cause of Christ.
We must examine our own hearts and lives. Are we willing to follow Christ all the way? We might drink of the wine of Cana — but will we wear the thorns? We may be willing to eat of the loaves and fishes — but are we willing to go with him to Golgotha? We would gladly sit with him on his throne — but will we bear the cross with him to Calvary? We can easily follow him where the way is easy and when our emotions are exalted and our hearts full of praise — but will we follow him through the trials and moments were courage is required?
We should say from our hearts and by our lives, “I will follow wherever you go.”
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and over 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
