Following In The Footsteps of Jesus

 If you want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, observe the following things about Him: (1) He never acted in haste. He didn’t make decisions in response to the pressure tactics of others. Skilled negotiators know that waiting is a weapon; whoever is the most hurried usually ends up with the short end of the deal. Waiting reveals the weakness in any plan, plus the motives of those around you. Your greatest mistakes will often happen because of impatience, so think long term. (2) He knew when to work and when to rest. In the storm on the Sea of Galilee the disciples sweated, but Jesus slept. In the garden of Gethsemane the disciples slept, but Jesus sweated. That’s because He knew when to work and when to rest. Knowing when to act and when to trust, what to give your attention to and what to leave in God’s hands, is a secret you must learn if you’re to do God’s will and not burn out. Nobody was busier than Jesus. Everybody wanted something from Him. The more successful you are the more people will reach for you. Jesus separated Himself in order to receive. He understood that you can’t give what you don’t have. Work means giving; rest means receiving. Jesus understood the balance; that’s why He accomplished so much in three short years. When you’re rested you think more clearly, you make better decisions, you see life through confident eyes, you accomplish more in less time, and what you build is built to last. So stop your frantic rush. Following in the footsteps of Jesus means being led, not driven!


“You should follow His steps.” 1Pe 2:21 NKJV

Jesus knew He didn’t have to prove Himself. At the cross, skeptics said, “If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Mt 27:40). His reaction? He refused to let their comments intimidate Him or alter His plans. He didn’t need their approval; He already had His Father’s: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). Jesus didn’t waste time answering His critics. “Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor” (Mt 27:14 NIV). Jesus responded to hunger, to need, to seekers, but not to people trying to trap Him. You owe nothing to a critic. “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words” (Pr 23:9). Do you know why there’s never been a monument built to a critic? Because critics are spectators, not players! Jesus didn’t focus on the past, but the future. His mother was pregnant with Him before she was married. Only a few people knew the truth. Jesus grew up with this, yet He didn’t feel the need to explain it. Stop complaining that your family was poor, or talking about your limited education, or repeating stories of those who failed you, or advertising your pain, or meditating on your flaws. All of us are challenged in some way. “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isa 43:18-19). Satan discusses our yesterdays; apparently that’s the only information he has about us. Jesus discusses our tomorrows. So if you want to follow in His footsteps, focus on what’s ahead.


-taken from The Word For You Today, Community Church Devotional