Follow the Lamb

“[John] said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said…’

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel… I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.  I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’ And they said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see.’ So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day… He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ)…

“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph…’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” John 1:23,29-39,41,45,49

John announced and introduced Jesus as the Light, the promised Lord, and the Savior of the world. He proficiently and humbly fulfilled his purpose of making the Lamb known, then stepped back for the disciples to see Him only. They would follow Jesus, learn of and from Him, join Him at the cross, and follow His example after He was gone. He became a sheep Himself to shepherd them to eternal life. (Isaiah 53:4-7; John 10:14-15,27-28; 13:15)

We have many challenges and distractions that vie for our ‘follow.’ Voices in social media, prescribed strategies for personal fulfillment and worldly success, both well- and ill-intended opinions for structuring our days and patterns, health and thinking. The way of a humble lamb does not always excite or entice or even draw notice. The way of self-sacrifice seems counter-intuitive compared to worldly mantras. But to follow the Lamb is the way to rich life now and forever.

What pulls our attention and affections elsewhere? Where do we succumb to temporal pleasures and forsake what is lasting? What makes us give in to instant glitz and satiation and forego the Lord’s richer fare? Would we ask Jesus to draw our whole heart toward Him and His ways, and follow? (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 11:24-26)

Lord my King, help me see the supremacy of following You at every turn, in every way, for Your renown.