Follow Me

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’ Luke 9:18-27

At our Indigenous Peoples' Day service on Monday, the preacher, Janine Tinsley-Rowe reminded us how she was taught by her elders the importance of our feet, shoes and our paths in life, and how it can tell us so much about other folks. We often don't think about peoples' feet unless we are fashionistas and judging their footwear. But to follow Jesus, we must be ready to travel stony ground, challenging conditions and people. Jesus knew the call to follow him was tough and it take humility to walk that sacred road. We all need good strong moccasins built for the long haul. We cannot give into fashion, culture or others' standards. We need to walk by the standard of love, which is always service and always willing to share, always ready to make room on the road for strangers and other companions.

Gracious Creator, you call us your people

the whole world is held in your hands

you call us to follow you and walk with you

promising strength and faith for the journey.

We want to walk our own path and refuse to follow

we are like foolish children refusing to learn

we become lost and disoriented in the dark

and cry out to you in our pain and foolishness.

Help us Lord to be willing to follow you

trusting that you have carved a way forward

trusting we have all that we need in you

and help us make room for all who would follow too. Amen.