Following Whom?

S - "Whenever you stand up to speak with God, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins." Mark 11 [TS]

O - This is one of the nine times the scriptural record quotes Jesus identifying the only way one can know that their sins are forgiven. The confidence and affirmation heaven offers to all people is not primarily theological but relational. The religious are quick to offer theological, historical and formulaic dynamics in gaining assurance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is so emphatic on this relational reality that immediately after teaching us how to pray he says "If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your wrongs." Matthew 6

A - "Jesus told the people who had confidence in him, “If you keep abiding in what I have said, you truly are my followers” (John 8)." It’s amazing how few people who say they’re following Jesus know his answer to this important consideration (and many others as well). Since he himself is heaven’s message to the world (7.7 billion and counting) his insight and instruction is paramount. If someone is following Jesus shouldn’t his answers be their answers? If someone is teaching others how to be Jesus’ follower shouldn’t they be teaching what Jesus taught? The record on this is really clear. If my answers are different than the answers of Jesus I should have the integrity to stop saying I’m following him or that I am his disciple. I accept his invitation given to all people: "Follow me." His answers are/will be my answers. His thinking will be/become mine. 

P - Lord who is the beginning and the end,

Thank you for sending Jesus to clarify your person and your purposes. Thank for the invitation to adoption, to following, to knowing you and not just knowing about you. I accept your message in Jesus. 

Glad to be included and following,

Steve