Old Testament Genesis 24:52-26:16
New Testament Matthew 8:18-34
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 3:7-8
Following.
The Genesis narrative brings to an end the life Abraham and the start of his legacy. The story now moves to his promised offspring Isaac. Isaac and Rebekah wed and twenty years later have their own offspring. Twins. Brothers. The story quickly moves to the struggle between these siblings which began in the womb. Chapter 26 returns back to Isaac and Abimelech. Remember this is a title for the king of the Philistines and is a different Abimelech that Abraham met in chapter 20. Isaac follows in his father’s footsteps by telling Abimelech that Rebekah is his sister. Children naturally model their parent’s beliefs, attitudes, and actions. They follow the example put before them.
After the multiple healing session in Matthew 8 a scribe approaches Jesus and says, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus responds with a customized type proverb for the scribe’s consideration.
Matthew 8:20 20
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
This is what life will look like if he is truly willing to follow. It will not be easy or popular. Another disciple is willing to follow, but he wants to wait for a more opportune time. The phrase “let me first go and bury my father” was a popular figure of speech in that day, which meant “let me wait until I receive my inheritance.” A follower of Jesus cannot wait for his financial portfolio to reach a certain level or retirement before he starts following. The call of Jesus is an immediate calling. Consider how his initial disciples heard his call to follow him and they immediately “left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:20) or left business and family (Mt 4:22).
Parent’s your children are watching and following. If you follow Jesus you will be a positive example for your offspring and leave a godly legacy. True followers of Jesus are willing to forsake temporal comforts and pleasures in order to emulate Jesus. Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father. Follower, disciple, child of the Lord, as you follow Jesus footsteps you will model God the Father’s character. Follow Him.