Following Jesus

by James Smith, 1860

"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." Mark 10:52

This poor blind man sat by the way-side begging. He had heard of Jesus, and the wonders which he had wrought. But he had never had an opportunity of appealing to his pity, and testing his power. Now he hears the noise as of a multitude, and asks what it means. He is told that Jesus is coming. At once he is determined to apply to him, and endeavor to obtain a blessing from him. He begins to cry with a loud strong voice, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

At length Jesus stands still and commands him to be called. In a moment he casts aside his beggar's cloak, and comes to him. Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replies, "Lord, that I might receive my sight." Jesus says, "Go your way, your faith has made you whole." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus along the road.

What an example for sinners — for us. Whatever we require — Jesus can do. Whatever we need — Jesus can give. He is not far from every one of us. He is within call.

Woe can apply to him if we will; and if we really feel our need of him, and have faith in him — we shall. Faith in the heart always . . .
leads to Jesus,
applies to Jesus, and
obtains blessings from Jesus.

If we come to Jesus for pardon, or peace, or sight, or spiritual life, feeling our need of it, and heartily desiring it — we need not ask, have I faith? for this coming to Christ, is faith. If we did not believe that he is, and that he can do that which we ask of him, we would not come to him. And the faith that now brings us to him, and leads us to plead with him — will by and by be strong enough to . . .
trust his word,
rely on his merit, and
rejoice in his salvation.

Those who come to Jesus, are healed and blessed by him; and the result is, they follow him. He becomes their leader, example, and guide.

"He followed Jesus along the road." He was not particular as to where Jesus led him — as he would follow Christ anywhere. So is it with all his true disciples. They follow him, and thereby prove that they have . . .
spiritual life — enabling them;
spiritual perception — inclining them;
and an inward call — impelling them.

"The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." John 10:3-4. All of Christ's sheep hear his voice and follow him. They follow him, because they know him, have confidence in him, and expect to receive good things from him. They follow him out of love to his person, from gratitude for his mercy, and in hope of future blessings. They follow him through evil report and good report, into the wilderness of affliction, and into the field of labor. They follow him, and enjoy the privileges of his house, exercising the graces of his Spirit, and performing the duties laid down in his word. They follow him, to be saved by his grace, to enjoy his presence, and labor in his cause.

"They follow the Lamb wherever he goes!" Revelation 14:4

Reader, are you following Christ? Have you ever come to him as a poor, blind, lost sinner? If not, you cannot follow him. No one follows Christ, who has not received sight, salvation, and comfort from him. Are you ashamed to follow Christ fully? In every ordinance he has instituted, in every duty he has marked out, in every path he has gone before us — he expects, and requires us to follow him.

Are you desiring to follow Christ? Then seek grace from him to enable you to do so, and make haste, and delay not to keep his commandments. Jesus will lead you into green pastures, and beside the still waters. He may lead you into the fiery furnace, or into the deep chilling water-floods; but wherever he leads you — he will go before you. He will certainly lead you . . .
to heaven, to his Father's house,
to the kingdom prepared for you,
to the glorious incorruptible inheritance.

Reader, unless you come to Jesus, and follow him to Heaven, you will be found following Satan, who will conduct you to Hell.